Mizzou’s Aarion Penton relishes joining defensive-touchdown club

It’s not exactly an exclusive club because membership is open, but only a select few belong.

It took Missouri senior cornerback Aarion Penton 49 games to earn his membership.

He finally joined the ranks of Shane Ray, Markus Golden, Kony Ealy, E.J. Gaines and even Joey Burkett with a 19-yard interception return for a touchdown during last Saturday’s win against Vanderbilt.

“It’s a great feeling,” Penton said. “I’ve been working hard just to experience that.”

Ray, who now is in his second season with the Broncos, was perhaps the biggest proponent of the Tigers’ defensive-touchdown club. He reminded Penton that time was running out to get those dues paid last summer.

“When he came to visit before the season,” Penton said, “he told me, ‘Go get that pick-six. That’s what they want to see — you get a turnover and take it the other way for some points.’ Every week, I think about it and think about him telling me that. It finally came.”

Ray sent Penton a congratulatory text after the 26-17 win against the Commodores.

“I’m just happy I got one in the books ...,” Penton said. “I used to play offense, and it’s fun to score touchdowns in front of big crowds.”

Playing heavy inside leverage, knowing he had safety help over the top, Penton read Vanderbilt sophomore quarterback Kyle Shurmur’s eyes and jumped the route.

“When I saw the receiver run a slant, I thought, ‘If he actually runs a slant and the quarterback throws it, I’m going to make a pick and go to the house,’ ” Penton said.

Finally reaching the end zone, scoring a touchdown in the often-cruel north end zone at Memorial Stadium, was somewhat surreal for Penton.

“I laid down after the flip and just didn’t want to leave the end zone,” Penton said.

When Penton finally did get to his feet and trot to the Mizzou sideline, he doubled back after passing senior linebacker Michael Scherer, who is on crutches after surgery to repair a torn ACL and MCL in his right knee.

Penton then handed Scherer the ball.

“I hate that his injury happened,” Penton said. “He invested so much time and effort into this program, whether it’s on or off the field or in school. He just does everything right, and gives it his all. It (stinks) that he can’t compete out there with me, and I play for him.”

Penton continued, “I hug him every day before practice and before each game. I just tell him, ‘I’m out here playing and working hard for you, too.’ He just said thank you.”

Were there any tears shed as a result of Penton’s gesture?

“No, no, no, no — Mike’s too tough for all that,” said Penton, whose four interceptions are tied for the most in the Southeastern Conference this season.

Penton, who ranks 10th in Mizzou history with nine career interceptions, is tied for seventh in the Football Bowl Subdivision with 14 passes defended, including 10 pass breakups.

“He’s played pretty well this year, so I’m happy for him to have success and get in the end zone,” first-year MU coach Barry Odom said. “As a defensive guy, that’s pretty cool.”

Penton also has emerged as respected leader in the Tigers’ secondary.

“He brings energy that’s unmatched to the field,” junior safety Anthony Sherrils said. “He’s a senior, and knowing that his career is coming to an end is very important. He wants to finish off strong.”

Set to graduate in May with a general studies degree, Penton never really considered playing college football anywhere but Mizzou and he’s grateful for the opportunity and resultant success.

“Being from Missouri, I fell in love with it as soon as they switched over to the SEC and I knew I could compete against some of the best players around the country,” he said. “It’s been great, fun and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”

This story was originally published November 18, 2016 at 2:50 PM with the headline "Mizzou’s Aarion Penton relishes joining defensive-touchdown club."