As Missouri football progresses further in spring practice and approaches Saturday's spring game, two position groups stood out Tuesday: running backs and wide receivers.
The backfield situation is uncertain as the Tigers look for a replacement for first-team All-American running back Cody Schrader.
In contrast, Missouri's more solid group of pass catchers looks to build on the success that led the team to a Cotton Bowl championship.
“Some guys just don't take criticism, some guys don't listen to things that aren't going well,” wide receivers coach Jacob Peeler said. “This group is welcoming. They want to know they can get better.”
Cornerbacks coach Al Pogue recognized the benefits of practicing against such a strong group.
“Right now we're playing against probably the best group of receivers in the nation,” Pogue said. “And we had to make the most of it.”
However, the wide receiver room is not resting on last year's success. Peeler is looking at opportunities for the group to improve in the “yards after catch” category and turn short plays into explosive plays.
“There's no rule in soccer that says the first player has to make the tackle, right?” Peeler said. “A great example of that was the Florida game against (Theo Weese Jr.).”
There are various paths the Tigers could pursue to become the starting running back for the 2024 season. Candidates for the role include transfers Nate Noel and Marcus Carroll, as well as rookies Tavorus Jones and Jamal Roberts.
“They know they all have a legitimate shot, so they've got to be the best they can be,” running backs coach Curtis Looper said. “If you're the strongest, you'll play.”
Looper sees a chemistry between former Bucs Larry Rountree III and Tyler Bady that has made some of the team's up-and-coming talent successful.
“When I look at Nate Noel and Marcus Carroll, I think of Tyler Budde and Larry Rountree in 2020,” Looper said. “They were nice compliments.”
Missouri football will spend the next two weeks practicing more during spring training, play the spring game on Saturday, and have its pro day on March 22nd.
