By MATT PIKE
A new season of Missouri Tigers football is nearly here.
With kickoff just three weeks away, the Tigers are currently working through fall camp to prepare for Central Arkansas, still also trying to find their starting quarterback.
Voice of the Tigers Mike Kelly says it’s going to be another good year of Mizzou football with that Eli Drinkwitz brand of exciting offense that fights on the defensive side for four quarters.
“Last year under Corey Batoon the takeaways were up, I think they’d like to do a better job of rushing and harassing the passer this year which I think they’ve got the opportunity to do with the players they’ve brought in,” Kelly tells the KFEQmunnity show. “But obviously I think this this is a program that just each year continues to get better and that’s I think what Missouri fans want.”
A quarterback battle also rages on as the Missouri Tigers prepare for the new football season during fall camp.
With Brady Cook trying to make his way onto the New York Jets, the Missouri Tigers are looking for their new quarterback, will it be Beau Pribula, Sam Horn, or maybe even freshman Matt Zollars?
Kelly says it’s still too early in fall camp to see a clear winner between either Pribula or Horn, who appear to be the favorites
“I think both guys have done some good things through the early course of practice,” Kelly says. “I will tell you this, that it is impressive to see Matt Zollars throw a football, the young man from Pennsylvania has got an absolute rocket.”
The Tigers held their first scrimmage on Monday which Drinkwitz indicated would give a better look at each guy.
The Missouri Tigers utilized the transfer portal, adding to their defense this offseason, setting up another good year for the Corey Batoon ‘Death Row defense’
Along with several returning players, Drinkwitz brought in several players through the transfer portal to help add to an already strong defensive unit
Kelly says what has steadily improved since Drinkwitz arrived at Mizzou, is not just the quality of the athlete, but the depth at each position.
“As you look on the defensive side of the ball, I mean Zion Young was terrific, now Zion Young is 6’6” 280 pounds and still running a sub five 40,” Kelly points out. “Damon Wilson is a guy who has a chance to be a high round draft choice in a couple year opposite Zion Young at one of the defensive end positions.”
Kelly also credits Drinkwitz for the addition of players like linebacker Josiah Trotter, a transfer from West Virginia, and safety Jalen Catalon, a transfer from UNLV, to add to the depth of defense.
Missouri first takes the field on August 28th against Central Arkansas. Missouri football, and also basketball, will again air right here on KFEQ.
You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.
