Missouri picks up commitment from junior-college defensive tackle Rashad Brandon

Weeks ago, Missouri defensive coordinator DeMontie Cross expressed Missouri’s need to upgrade at defensive tackle prior to the 2017 season.

On Saturday, the Tigers defense did just that as Rashad Brandon, a 6-foot-3, 315-pound defensive tackle from ASA College in Brooklyn, N.Y., pledged his commitment to Missouri.

Brandon boasted offers from Ole Miss and Temple — among interest from others such as Oklahoma — and was on an official visit in Columbia this weekend. The junior-college player announced his commitment on Twitter saying, “Extremely Blessed to commit to the University of Missouri!”

After the losses of seniors Rickey Hatley and Josh Augusta, the interior position on the defensive line was a clear point of emphasis for this recruiting cycle. Hatley had 28 total tackles and one sack in the 2016 season, while Augusta added 23 tackles, four tackles for loss and a sack.

Brandon is the 16th commitment for Missouri in this recruiting cycle and the first defensive tackle to commit.

This story was originally published December 3, 2016 at 6:25 PM with the headline "Missouri picks up commitment from junior-college defensive tackle Rashad Brandon."