Five takeaways from Mizzou football’s Week 1 depth chart ahead of the Alabama game
While Missouri coach Eliah Drinkwitz isn’t revealing much about his Tigers just yet, the team released a depth chart ahead of its season opener Saturday against No. 2 Alabama.
Drinkwitz said to expect a lot of the “or” designation on the depth chart, which means players are battling for jobs on the two-deep and those spots aren’t concrete. Despite the Tigers playing an SEC-only 10-game schedule, it’s still going to be a long season, so the depth chart could certainly change, Drinkwitz said.
“There’s still a lot of competition,” Drinkwitz said at his weekly news conference. “No. 1 core value of who we are is always compete.”
Here are five takeaways from Mizzou’s Week 1 depth chart.
Still no starting QB named
Drinkwitz still has not named a starting quarterback, but the competition is down to Shawn Robinson or Connor Bazelak. The first-year coach, hired from Appalachian State in December, said he wants to maintain a competitive advantage by keeping the decision under wraps until kickoff.
Drinkwitz said he has considered playing both Bazelak and Robinson in the same game, though he didn’t disclose further details. It’s unclear if the quarterbacks themselves know who’s starting, so we won’t expect anything more on this front until 6 p.m. Saturday.
True freshman starter
It’s rare to see a true freshman contribute just months after arriving on campus, much less become a starter. No big deal for cornerback Ennis Rakestraw, who’s listed as a starter alongside starter Jarvis Ware.
Rakestraw has been earning rave reviews throughout training camp — especially in his ability to stick to receivers. That’s being rewarded here as Rakestraw is presumably set to start against what he’s said multiple times was his “dream school,” in Alabama.
Rakestraw, from Duncanville, Texas, was a major recruiting win just months after Drinkwitz took the MU job. The cornerback chose the Tigers over in-state Texas and Nick Saban’s Bama. Rakestraw’s commitment led to Drinkwitz’s notable recruiting-win video that’s made its rounds among fans.
Who’s catching the passes?
While it’s unknown who will be throwing the ball in Drinkwitz’s offense, there is some clarity about who the pass-catchers will be.
Graduate-transfers Damon Hazelton and Keke Chism are Mizzou’s starting wide receivers. Jalen Knox, who has previously played primarily outside, is listed in the slot, backed up by Barrett Banister and Raytown product Dominic Gicinto. Look out for Javian Hester and Chance Luper: Both true freshmen are listed on the two-deep after a solid camp.
Tight end, though, remains a mystery. Daniel Parker Jr., a Blue Springs grad, was expected to be the starter, but he’s listed in an “or” situation with Niko Hea and Logan Christopherson. Parker’s health has been a point of notice during camp, which could be contributing to some of the uncertainty.
The specialists
Ever since Drinkwitz took over the MU job, he’s stressed that the best players will play on special teams.
Running back Tyler Badie will return kickoffs while true freshman wideout Kris Abrams-Draine is the punt returner. Expect Banister to get into the mix some in the return game, as well.
Mizzou also needed to replace Tucker McCann, who handled punts and kicks for the Tigers last season. Drinkwitz has found his specialists at those positions in true freshman kicker Harrison Mevis and Kentucky graduate-transfer Grant McKinnis at punter. McKinnis will also be Mevis’ holder.
Notable defenders
Mizzou brought back eight starters on defense and there aren’t too many surprises on that side of the ball.
Devin Nicholson, as expected, won the middle linebacker spot alongside All-American Nick Bolton. Strong safety will be split between Martez Manuel and Stacy Brown, though the former is listed atop the depth chart. Look out for Isaiah McGuire, who’s listed as a co-starter with senior Chris Turner at defensive end.
At cornerback, aside from Rakestraw, keep an eye on Ishmael Burdine, who’s impressed his teammates.