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Spring Practice 1 notebook

Barry Odom and the Missouri Tigers had practice one the the 2017 Spring Camp earlier today. It is the first of ten practices that the media can attend. Catch up on some of the information from Faurot Field here.

Youth served at cornerback

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The initial spring depth chart was handed out at the beginning of spring practice number one. Sophomores Christian Holmes and DeMarkus Acy were both listed as starters at cornerback. The two second year players jumped over experienced players in senior Logan Cheadle and junior Finis Stribling IV.

Both Holms and Acy played as true freshman last season, so they do have some experience. They also bring size to the defensive backfield. Holmes is listed at 6-foot-1, 190-pounds and Acy is listed at 6-foot-2, 190-pounds.

Senior wide receiver J'Mon Moore had the following to say about his young teammates.

"They're competitors. I work with them outside of everything else we do. We put in extra work. I've been helping them get on their P's and Q's because it's about to get real for them. I've been teaching them. Coach (Sam) Carter has been teaching them. They've been taking in everything they've been taught. They want to be taught. They're physical. They can run. They're ready and now they're about to get in that fire."

A lot can happen between now and the first game of the 2017 season, but for the moment youth is being served at cornerback.

Defensive line out to prove this is still DLineZou

"We don't have a day to waste. They said we are the worst defensive front in the SEC going into next season. That's huge. We're not necessarily trying to prove them wrong, but we got to prove to ourselves that this is still DLineZou."

Those are the words of senior defensive end Marcell Frazier. With six defensive lineman joining Mizzou this summer the starting DE said there is no time to waste waiting for those guys to show up. The newcomers will just have to learn quickly and catch up in preseason camp.

Frazier said that he, Beckner Jr., A.J. Logan and Jordan Herald are the leaders of the defensive line. He also mentioned Nate Howard as a player that has stepped up on the leadership side.

It was only one practice, but both Beckner Jr. and Frazier like what they saw from junior college transfer Rashad Brandon. Spring practice one was Brandon's first chance to workout with the team since starting classes.

Marcell Frazier and Tre Williams
Marcell Frazier and Tre Williams

Frazier had high praise for redshirt freshman defensive end Tre Williams. Frazier believes this season is Williams' chance to get his film out there for NFL scouts to see and then the 2018 season will be Williams' time to march up the draft boards.

"He's taller than me and nearly as heavy. He's bigger than Charles (Harris) obviously. He has the frame. He has the first step. Once he learns everything it'll all take care of itself," explained Frazier.

New defensive line coach Brick Haley is making his mark quickly with the Tigers. Both Frazier and Beckner gave their new coach positive reviews. Frazier said Haley is similar to Craig Kuligowski in how he interacts with his players.

"He's hard on you, but what coach isn't going to be that wants the best for you," Beckner added. "If he's not hard on you then he doesn't have your best interests in mind. He's a great coach. A great dude. He knows what he's talking about."

Strong suspended and other personnel notes

Missouri junior running back Nate Strong did not participate in spring practice one. Odom stated that Strong was suspended for violating team policy when asked why the RB wasn't at practice. The Mizzou head coach only added that he would update the media when there was an update available.

Darvis Holmes is no longer with the program. Odom said Holmes has decided to transfer.

Odom said Terry Beckner Jr. is way ahead of schedule in his rehabilitation from a second ACL surgery. Despite that, the junior defensive tackle will be eased back into action. There is no reason to rush him back according to Odom.

Senior Anthony Hines has moved to safety from cornerback. Also, sophomore Franklin Agbasimere has moved to defensive line from linebacker. The other big move on the new roster was Tavon Ross going from saftey to linebacker. The move to linebacker from cornerback happened for sophomore T.J. Warren last season and now it is on the official roster as well.

Beckner Jr. is wearing number 5 this season. Richaud Floyd is wearing number 17. Newcomers Kaleb Prewett, Isaiah Miller, Pompey Coleman, Yasir Durant and Rashad Brandon were assigned numbers 20, 4, 78, 70 and 95.

Richaud Floyd
Richaud Floyd

The Tigers' practice next on Thursday, March 9 at 3:30 PM. PowerMizzou.com will be on hand again to bring Mizzou fans the most up-to-date information.

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