Mizzou football loses two more to opt-outs. Here’s how it impacts the depth chart
The Missouri Tigers are up to five players who have opted out of the 2020 football season, with the most recent two deciding Wednesday.
Mizzou wide receiver Cjay Boone and offensive lineman Jack Buford told MU coach Eliah Drinkwitz and the program they will not suit up in 2020. The two join the other opt-outs: wide receiver Maurice Massey, defensive lineman Chris Daniels and offensive lineman Thalen Robinson.
Drinkwitz said Tuesday during his weekly news conference that he anticipates the Tigers will have 69 of 81 scholarship players available for Saturday’s season opener. That number will be down to 67 scholarship players — pending two more COVID-19 test results which will be administered Wednesday and Friday.
Any player is allowed to opt out of a 2020 season that will be played during the COVID-19 pandemic. The SEC has already announced anybody who chooses to opt out will have their scholarship honored and will be in good standing with the team. Drinkwitz said he’s had tough conversations with those players, but will respect their decisions and look forward to them returning to the Tigers next season.
All football athletes — whether they opt out or not — have their eligibility frozen because of a blanket waiver approved by the NCAA. It means there will be no redshirts and players can play in as many games as they want without affecting eligibility.
None of Mizzou’s players who opted out are starters, but they were set to compete for playing time. Massey and Robinson were set to likely appear on the two-deep, with Daniels set to be a depth piece at a thin defensive line. Buford was listed as a potential backup option at right guard, backing up captain Case Cook.
It’s a difficult scenario for the Tigers to navigate. Drinkwitz’s team only has 81 scholarships this season because of NCAA infractions.
Regardless, the Tigers kick off their 2020 season against No. 2 Alabama at 6 p.m. Saturday at Faurot Field.