Missouri will open its second spring under Barry Odom next month. Over the next week, we preview spring ball position by position on defense. Today, we look at the defensive tackles.
SPRING FOOTBALL 2017: DEFENSIVE TACKLE
THE STARTERS: A.J. Logan is set to start at one tackle spot. As for the other? In spring ball, who knows? Terry Beckner and Markell Utsey are both on the way back from knee injuries and we wouldn't expect either to be full speed in spring ball if they participate at all. The Tigers will have juco transfer Rashad Brandon at least on campus, but it is not yet known if he will be able to participate in camp. So it looks like Tyrell Jacobs or a host of walk-ons lining up as a starter in spring camp.
THE BACKUPS: Backups? We can't even fill out the starters with any degree of confidence.
Potential Storylines: Are Beckner and Utsey on track for a full recovery in time for fall camp? Will either be able to do anything in spring ball? That's really the story to watch, barring an emergence from someone out of the blue.
Spring Prediction: No predictions. Just get through it. Defensive tackle is similar to the offensive line last year. Just try to have enough guys to play the spring game.
Help on the Way: Missouri went heavy at DT out of necessity in the 2017 class. In addition to Brandon, juco teammates Walter Palmore and Malik Young will compete for immediate playing time this fall. High school products Caleb Samspon and Kobie Whiteside could find themselves in the mix right away as well. No more than two of these guys (and probably only one) will redshirt.
MORE SPRING PREVIEWS
Coming Tomorrow: Linebacker
