This Missouri Tigers tight end is focused on health, leadership in third season

After an injury-plagued 2024 season, Missouri Tigers tight end Brett Norfleet finally feels healthy.

Last year’s fall camp was derailed by a foot issue, and he opened the season with a shoulder injury that lingered for much of the year.

Now fully cleared, Norfleet has been working to avoid unnecessary hits — using stiff-arms or quick cuts instead of always lowering his shoulder — and is focusing on improving his route running through film study and experimentation.

Entering his junior season, he has also embraced a larger leadership role in a tight end room that includes returning contributors and emerging players such as redshirt freshman Jude James. He said getting healthy has been key to stepping into that role.

“There’s definitely moments where I can lead and step up, especially when the offense is struggling,” Norfleet said. “I’m just real comfortable with where I’m at right now.”

Marquis Johnson carries lessons from veterans

When asked about the departure of Luther Burden III and Theo Wease, wide receiver Marquis Johnson said that hasn’t diminished the confidence in Missouri’s receiver group.

Johnson highlighted the depth — including Daniel Blood, Kevin Coleman Jr., Josh Manning, Donovan Olugbode, Logan Muckey, Shaun Terry and Xavier Loyd — and praised the culture that allows newcomers to blend in quickly.

“When a new guy comes in, we just bring them in as a brother,” Johnson said. “We teach you how we do it.”

Johnson, who is also taking on more of a leadership role entering his third season, credited both Burden and Wease for shaping his approach. From Wease, he learned the value of doing “even the little things” right, while Burden’s energy and style influenced parts of his own game.

He also carries pride in following his father’s path at Mizzou, wearing the same number his dad once did for the Tigers.

“It’s a blessing that I get to do this,” Johnson said. “I feel like I make him proud.”

Johnson praised the competition he’s faced in fall camp from the cornerback group, calling it deep and physical, with players such as Stephen Hall, Toriano Pride, Drey Norwood and Nicholas DeLoach standing out.

Nate Johnson adjusting quickly to SEC speed

Defensive end Nate Johnson described his transition to Missouri and the SEC as “humbling,” noting the increased speed, strength and physicality compared to his previous home at Appalachian State.

He said the Tigers’ training regimen — with daily speed work and weight room sessions — has helped prepare him for the jump.

Johnson credited defensive ends coach Brian Early for showing him his potential and the areas he can improve, particularly building strength to pair with his speed.

The Appalachian State junior transfer has also been learning from veterans such as Darris Smith, Damon Wilson and Zion Young, who have helped refine his get-off and technique.

Capable of playing both field and boundary end, Johnson said the adjustment is “mostly mental,” with different responsibilities depending on the alignment.

After a 2024 season that didn’t go as planned, Johnson has placed an emphasis on arriving in football shape earlier and maintaining it through the season.

The depth of Missouri’s defensive line has stood out to him.

“We compete every day,” Johnson said, “and we all help each other get better.”

Peagler seeks new opportunity

Offensive lineman Curtis Peagler said his growth at Missouri has been the result of “hard work and dedication” over multiple seasons.

Staying with the Tigers — rather than entering the transfer portal — was an easy decision because of the relationships he has built with teammates and coaches.

“I think the biggest step I’ve taken is confidence,” Peagler said. “Just believing in myself, putting in the work every day, staying after practice and talking with Coach (Brandon) Jones.”

He credited the influence of transfer lineman Dominick Giudice from Michigan for helping raise the standard in the offensive line room through extra film study, stretching sessions and attention to detail.

Peagler identified run blocking and strong hand technique as his biggest strengths and praised veteran lineman Keagan Trost for helping mentor him.

In Monday’s practice, Peagler worked with the first-team offensive line at right guard. If Cayden Green slides to left tackle and Giudice is positioned at left guard, Peagler could be the player Eli Drinkwitz turns to as his starting right guard.

Peagler said his goals entering camp have largely been met and that his only focus is continuing to “stack days” as the season approaches.

Trotter named to Lombardi Award watch list

Missouri linebacker Josiah Trotter has been named to the preseason watchlist for the Lombardi Award, presented annually to the nation’s top college lineman who best embodies discipline, performance and leadership.

Trotter is coming off a 2024 season in which he emerged as a consistent presence in the front seven at West Virginia.

He’ll look to build on that performance in 2025 while anchoring a linebacker unit expected to be one of Missouri’s strengths.

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