Spring position preview: Tiger wideouts

Missouri will open spring football in less than a month. Between now and then, PowerMizzou.com will take a look at every position on the roster headed into spring drills. We look today at the wide receiver spot:

The Starters: Wes Kemp and Jerrell Jackson would seem to have two starting spots more or less locked up. Kemp started all of last year and Jackson came on when Jared Perry went down with an injury. The question of who will be the third starter won't have an answer before spring ball...and likely won't have one after it. Rolandis Woodland will likely open camp as that player.

The Backup Competition: There are all kinds of options here. T.J. Moe, Michael Egnew and Brandon Gerau will certainly get looks as will returner Gahn McGaffie and redshirts Jaleel Clark, Kerwin Stricker and LDamian Washington. All these players need to use spring as a major opportunity because the Tigers bring in one of the nation's most highly regarded recruiting classes at receiver.

The Major Storyline: There may be no position more scrutinized. The Tigers lose not only Danario Alexander, who posted the best season in school history, but also Perry, who was a strong four-year contributor. Jackson came on and Kemp had good moments, but neither was consistently as good as either departed senior. There is not one sure thing at this position. Not only will the receivers be a focus, but how Blaine Gabbert utilizes them. Last year, Missouri was a one-man show in the passing game. It will have to be more of a team-wide approach this season.

What Will Happen: Egnew looked great in bowl practices. Something tells us he may grab that third starting spot at the end of spring ball. However, Washington also impressed last year and he, Moe and Woodland should all contribute. At the end of spring, we will know more than we know now, but there will still be plenty to resolve in fall camp this August.

PowerMizzou.com will continue to analyze each and every position leading up to spring football.