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Mizzou Announces 2014 Football Signing Class
Fresh off a
school-record 12-win season, the University of Missouri football
program has followed up with an outstanding group of talented
student-athletes who have signed national letters of intent to attend
and play football for Mizzou. The 2014 signing class recruited by Head
Coach Gary Pinkel and his staff includes 28 standouts, with a balanced
mix of in-state stars as well as an influx of talent from the southeast
corridor as the Tigers continue to make inroads in the fertile
Southeastern Conference footprint.
Ten of Missouri's top stars
have signed to play for their home state as Mizzou continued its focus
on keeping the top in-state talent at home. Tiger coaches also made
huge inroads in SEC territory after just their second year in the
league, as 15 members of the current class hail from the states of
Florida (7), Georgia (3), Tennessee (3), Alabama (1) and Mississippi
(1).
"We're really pleased with this class, it's a very talented
group of athletes who we feel fit very well with our system and how we
do things at Mizzou," said Pinkel. "We've addressed our needs from a
position standpoint, and it's a very athletic and versatile group
overall," he said.
Five members of the class have already
enrolled and are attending classes at Mizzou, and will participate in
spring camp. Those include DB Logan Cheadle (Lee's Summit, Mo.), DB
Kenya Dennis (Raymond, Miss.), OL Michael Fairchild (Overland Park,
Kan.), LB Brandon Lee (Indianapolis, Ind.) and QB Marvin Zanders
(Jacksonville, Fla.). They will be on hand when spring practices begin
on March 11th, leading up to the annual Black & Gold Game on April
19th.
The recruiting progress made in SEC territory has been
impressive, and Mizzou's recent success on the field and in the
classroom certainly played a role.
"We're able to sell the fact
that since 2007, Mizzou is the only program in the country to be in the
top-10 in wins, and also in the top-five in first-round NFL Draft
picks, as well as top-five in Academic Progress Rate," said Pinkel.
"That really resonates with the kids and their families and coaches,
they trust that when they come to Mizzou, we make them the best that
they can be," he said.
For
more information regarding Mizzou Football, please visit mutigers.com
and garypinkel.com, or follow on Twitter at @mutigersdotcom and
@mizzoufootball.
MIZZOU FOOTBALL CLASS OF 2014 (FINAL)
Names will be added to this list as soon as their National Letters of Intent
have been received by the Mizzou Football office and verified.
Signed
Name Pos. Ht.
Wt. Hometown (High School/JC)
Video
7:26 am Paul Adams
OL 6-6 280
Nashville, Tenn. (Christ Presbyterian Academy)
Watch Adams
7:55 am Sam Bailey
OL 6-4 265
Lamar, Mo. (Lamar HS) Watch Bailey
7:18
am Andy Bauer OL
6-3 300 St.
Louis, Mo. (DeSmet HS) Watch Bauer
8:10 am
Kendall Blanton TE
6-6 230 Blue
Springs, Mo. (Blue Springs South HS) Watch Blanton
7:43
am DeSean Blair WR
6-2 185
Jacksonville, Fla. (Sandalwood HS) Watch Blair
8:28
am Walter Brady DE
6-3 255
Florence, Alabama (Florence HS) Watch Brady
6:42
am Nate Brown WR
6-3 205
Suwanee, Ga. (North Gwinnett HS) Watch Brown
Enrolled
Logan Cheadle CB
5-10 170 Lee's
Summit, Mo. (Lee's Summit West HS) Watch Cheadle
Enrolled
Kenya Dennis CB
6-0 198
Leland, Miss. (Hind CC) Watch Dennis
7:37 am
Keyon Dilosa WR
6-3 190 Round
Rock, Texas (Round Rock HS) Watch Dilosa
Enrolled
Mike Fairchild OL
6-5 280
Overland Park, Kan. (Blue Valley North HS) Watch
Fairchild
8:25 am Darnell Green
WR 6-5 180
Springfield, Mo. (Hillcrest HS)
Watch Green
7:31 am Grant Jones
TE 6-3 225
Columbia, Mo. (Hickman HS) Watch
Jones
Enrolled Brandon Lee LB
6-2 215
Indianapolis, Ind. (Lawrence Central HS) Watch B. Lee
10:01
am Lawrence Lee WR
5-11 175
Pensacola, Fla. (West Florida Tech) Watch Lee
8:21
am Rocel McWilliams DL
6-3 245
Pensacola, Fla. (West Florida Tech) Watch McWilliams
8:08
am Kevin Pendleton OL
6-3 320 Lee’s
Summit, Mo. (Lee’s Summit West HS) Watch Pendleton
7:29
am Thomas Richard WR
6-0 190
Nashville, Tenn. (Christ Presbyterian Academy) Watch
Richard
7:27 am Tavon Ross DB
6-0 200
Cochran, Ga. (Bleckley County HS) Watch Ross
7:09
am Finis Stribling DB
5-11 180
Thompson’s Station, Tenn. (Independence HS) Watch
Stribling
8:55 am Greg Taylor
DB 5-11 185
East St. Louis, Ill. (East St. Louis HS) Watch Taylor
8:12
am Trevon Walters TB
5-10 195
Bradenton, Fla. (Manatee HS) Watch Walters
8:01
am Thomas Wilson ATH
5-11 185
Buford, Ga. (Buford HS) Watch Wilson
8:37 am
Spencer Williams DL
6-4 220
Jacksonville, Fla. (First Coast HS) Watch Williams
7:59
am Raymond Wingo DB
6-0 175 St.
Louis, Mo. (St. Louis University HS) Watch Wingo
8:53
am Roderick Winters LB
5-11 195
Arlington, Texas (Bowie HS) Watch Winters
8:50 am
Ish Witter TB
5-8 195 Tampa, Fla. (Alonso HS)
Watch Witter
Enrolled Marvin
Zanders QB 6-2
180 Jacksonville, Fla. (Raines HS)
Watch Zanders
(top)
Paul Adams
Fr. * OL * 6-6 * 280 * Nashville, Tenn. (Christ Presbyterian Academy)
Adams
A
two-way lineman who impressed Mizzou’s coaching staff with his
athleticism and strong hands, coupled with a great lineman frame …
played at Christ Presbyterian Academy for head coach Ingle Martin …
helped block the Lions to a 14-1 record and Tennessee Class 3A State
Championship Runner-Up performance as a senior in 2013 … showed
versatility with his play on the defensive side with 41 tackles (34
solo), including 8.0 tackles-for-loss in his final high school season …
was awarded with one of the Tennessee Titans’ Mr. Football awards after
his senior season … considered the No. 12 overall recruit in the state
of Tennessee by Rivals.com … led squad to a 13-1 record and state
semifinals appearance as a junior in 2012 … also played basketball for
CPA … joined in the 2014 signing class by CPA teammate Thomas Richard …
parents – Tim and Ashley Adams … chose Mizzou over offers from
Cincinnati, Mississippi State and South Florida … plans to major in
business management at the University of Missouri … was impressed with
Mizzou’s entire campus environment during his visit, and enjoyed his
meetings with Tiger coaches.
(top)
Sam Bailey
Fr. * OL * 6-4 * 265 * Lamar, Mo. (Lamar HS)
Bailey
Caught
the attention of Mizzou’s coaches with his ability to explode off the
line, and also moves well in space … a tight end and defensive end for
Lamar High School and head coach Scott Bailey who projects to the
offensive line for the Tigers ... helped Lamar win three consecutive
Missouri Class 2 State Championships … notched a PBU in the 2013
Missouri Class 2A title game, a 42-0 win over Lawson … named First Team
All-State on the defensive line by the Missouri Sportswriters
Association … American Family Insurance All-Ozarks First Team
selection, along with first team all-conference recognition … claimed
the state title in discus as a junior … also played basketball for
Lamar … chose Mizzou over interest from Arkansas, Army and Kansas
State, among others.
(top)
Andy Bauer
Fr. * OL * 6-3 * 300 * St. Louis, Mo. (DeSmet HS)
Bauer
Offensive
line prospect whose aggressiveness and enthusiasm were important to
Mizzou’s coaching staff … dependable mover in the trenches during his
career at DeSmet Jesuit High School for head coach Pat Mahoney … named
an Under Armour High School All-American, one of just 90 players across
the country selected to play in the game … forced to the sideline for
his senior season in 2013 and he began rehabbing to prepare for the
collegiate level … helped lead DeSmet to a Missouri Class 6 State
Championship playoffs semifinal appearance as a junior in 2012 … earned
back-to-back first team all-state nods on the offensive line as a
sophomore and junior… Post-Dispatch First Team All-Metro as a junior …
considered the top overall recruit in the Show-Me State by Rivals.com
and ESPN.com … rated as the No. 99 overall recruit in the country in
the “ESPN300” … placed as the eighth-best offensive tackle prospect in
the country by both Rivals and ESPN … parents – Craig and Annie Bauer …
chose Mizzou over offers from many of the other top programs in the
country, including Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Florida State, Georgia,
LSU, Miami (Fla.), Michigan, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Oklahoma
State, Texas A&M and Wisconsin, among others … plans to pursue the
pre-medical field of studies at the University of Missouri … mentioned
his relationship with Mizzou’s coaches in being a determining factor in
his recruitment.
(top)
Kendall Blanton
Fr. * TE * 6-6 * 230 * Blue Springs, Mo. (Blue Springs South HS)
Blanton
A
smooth athlete who the Mizzou coaching staff believes possesses a great
frame for the tight end position … hauled in 15 catches for 216 yards
and two scores as a senior in 2013 in a predominantly run-oriented
offense at Blue Springs South High School for head coach Greg Oder …
Second Team All-Big Six Conference selection in his final high school
season … grabbed two touchdown catches as a junior in 2012 … rated as
the 12th-best tight end prospect in the class of 2014 by ESPN.com …
played center for the Blue Springs South basketball squad, leading the
team in blocked shots as a junior and senior … father, Jerry, was a
standout linebacker at Kentucky and played seven seasons in the NFL
with the Kansas City Chiefs … parents – Jerry Blanton and Deanna
Thompson … chose Mizzou over interest from Kentucky, Louisville and
Tulsa.
(top)
DeSean Blair
Fr. * WR * 6-2 * 185 * Jacksonville, Fla. (Sandalwood HS)
Blair
Wide
receiver recruit that possesses both the frame and speed for the
position with great ball skills, according to Mizzou’s coaches … a
“Super 75” selection by The Florida Times-Union as a senior in 2013 for
Sandalwood High School and head coach Adam Geis … earned Florida Class
8A Second Team All-State recognition following his senior season …
breakout year came as a junior in 2012 at Sandalwood after spending his
first two high school seasons at Terry Parker High School, in which he
snagged 36 passes for 700 yards and 10 touchdowns … considered the No.
50 wide receiver prospect in the country by ESPN.com, as well as the
56th-best recruit in the state of Florida … chose Mizzou over
Louisville, Nebraska, Iowa State, Maryland, Minnesota and Vanderbilt,
among others.
(top)
Walter Brady
Fr. * DE * 6-3 * 255 * Florence, Ala. (Florence HS)
Brady
Speedy
defender with a high ceiling, according to Mizzou’s coaching staff …
made an immediate impact in his only season at Florence High School for
head coach Jamey Dubose, totaling 85 tackles, 24.0 tackles-for-loss,
8.5 sacks and two interceptions … was a force in the backfield as a
junior in 2012 at Trezevant High School in Memphis, recording 96
tackles with 10.0 sacks, along with two forced fumbles, one fumble
recovery and one pass breakup … earned Commercial Appeal First Team
All-District recognition after his junior campaign … mother – Mickie
Renee Sada … chose Mizzou over Louisville, Middle Tennessee State, Ole
Miss and Miami (Fla.), among others.
(top)
Nate Brown
Fr. * WR * 6-3 * 205 * Suwanee, Ga. (North Gwinett HS)
Brown
Ability
to lead and his productivity at wide receiver caught the eye of
Mizzou’s coaching staff … turned in a prolific senior season for North
Gwinnett High School and head coach Bob Sphire, making 61 catches for
1,081 yards and 21 touchdowns … helped the Bulldogs to a 13-3 season
capped with an appearance in the Georgia Class AAAAAA State Football
Championship game … earned first team all-state recognition as a senior
from several outlets, including the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and
Georgia Sportswriters Association … named Gwinnett County Wide Receiver
of the Year by area coaches following his final high school season …
rated as the No. 29 overall recruit in the state of Georgia by
Rivals.com, as well as the No. 49 wide receiver in the nation … brought
in 41 receptions for 491 yards as a junior in 2012, pushing North
Gwinnett to a strong 11-2 season record … earned first team all-county
following his junior season … also participated in basketball and track
and field for North Gwinnett … parents – Rob and Wanda Brown … chose
Mizzou over Georgia, Illinois, Louisville, South Carolina, Vanderbilt
and Yale, among others … plans to major in business marketing or sports
medicine at the University of Missouri.
(top)
Logan Cheadle
Fr. * CB * 5-9 * 175 * Lee's Summit, Mo. (Lee's Summit West HS)
Cheadle
A
shutdown cornerback from Kansas City whose agility and ability to make
plays impressed Mizzou coaches … regarded as one of the best in the
state of Missouri's class of 2014 … helped Lee's Summit West and head
coach Royce Boehm to the Missouri Class 5 State Championship in 2013
thanks to a dominating three-interception title game performance …
two-time second team All-State selection ... the three picks, one of
which he returned for a touchdown, tied a state championship game
record … ranked as high as the No. 11 recruit in the state by
Rivals.com ... ranked as the 18th-best prospect in Missouri by ESPN.com
... finished senior season in 2013 with 42 tackles, including 30 solo
stops ... first team all-conference at defensive back in 2012 ...
continues pipeline of stellar athletes from Lee's Summit West, as he
joins former teammate and current Mizzou starting center Evan Boehm …
high school teammate of fellow 2014 Mizzou signee Kevin Pendleton ...
cousin, Don Cheadle, is an actor who has starred in 'Ocean's 11', 'Iron
Man 2' and 'Iron Man 3' ... chose Mizzou over Indiana, Iowa State
Kansas State, Nebraska and Northern Illinois.
(top)
Kenya Dennis
Jr. * CB * 6-0 * 200 * Leland, Miss. (Hind CC)
Dennis
Mizzou
coaches see great size and quickness in the junior college transfer, as
well as a willingness to be physical at the line of scrimmage … an
NJCAA Honorable Mention All-American as a sophomore at Hinds Community
College (Raymond, Miss.) in 2013 ... considered a Top 100 JUCO prospect
by Rivals.com ... finished 2013 season with 31 tackles (25 solo), two
fumble recoveries, two pass breakups, one tackle-for-loss and one
interception ... earned All-Region XXIII and most valuable defensive
back of the South Division for Hinds head coach Gene Murphy ... helped
lead the Eagles to a 7-3 record, bowl appearance and No. 14 national
ranking in 2013 ... was just as impactful in his first season at Hinds,
recording 34 tackles, four pass breakups and two interceptions in 2012
... two-time Mississippi Association of Community and Junior Colleges
(MACJC) All-State honoree ... represented Leland High School in the
Bernard Blackwell All-Star Game as a senior in 2011 ... coached by
Eugene Sanders at Leland ... chose Mizzou over offers from Arkansas,
Auburn and Southern Miss.
(top)
Keyon Dilosa
Fr. * WR * 6-3 * 190 * Round Rock, Texas (Round Rock HS)
Dilosa
Brings
good burst and body control to the table, according to the Mizzou
coaching staff, with great size for the wide receiver position … knack
for making the big play for Round Rock High School and head coach Jeff
Cheatham during his career … hauled in 55 receptions for 711 yards and
five touchdowns as a senior in 2013 … explosive ability is apparent, as
three of his five scoring catches as a senior covered more than 60
yards … also logged an 88-yard kickoff return for a touchdown during
his final season of play at Round Rock … earned second team
all-district in 2013, as well as after his junior season in 2012 … also
played basketball for Round Rock … parents – Maurice Miller and Kayanna
Dilosa … chose Mizzou over Arkansas State, BYU, Houston and Texas Tech,
among others … plans to major in business and accounting at the
University of Missouri … Mizzou’s welcoming atmosphere amongst the
players and coaches helped him choose the Tigers.
(top)
Mike Fairchild
Fr. * OL * 6-4 * 275 * Overland Park, Kan. (Blue Valley West HS)
Fairchild
A
hard-working offensive line prospect that excites Mizzou’s coaches with
his aggressiveness and ability to finish blocks … one of the top
linemen from the state of Kansas' class of 2014, earning multiple first
team-all-state recognitions ... blazed a trail for Blue Valley West
High School and head coach Scott Wright, blocking the Jaguars into the
Class 5A state semifinals as a senior in 2013 ... possesses a large
frame that has Mizzou coaches excited about his growth in the future
... also played defensive tackle for the Jaguars ... father, Paul,
played football at Kansas and spent seven seasons in the NFL playing
guard for the New England Patriots (1984-90) ... chose Mizzou early in
the recruiting process after drawing initial interest from Arkansas,
Kansas State, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State and Penn State.
(top)
Darnell Green
Fr. * WR * 6-5 * 180 * Springfield, Mo. (Hillcrest HS)
Green
Length
at the wide receiver position a plus for Mizzou’s coaching staff, but
his heart and spirit are what left the coaches most impressed … has
battled leukemia and undergone treatment during his high school career,
all while continuing to be a promising football and basketball player
for head coach and father, John Beckham … caught 16 passes for 224
yards and two touchdowns as a freshman in 2010 … forced to miss the
2011 season, but rebounded to make 29 catches for 383 yards over his
final two seasons at Hillcrest … earned All-Ozark Conference
recognition three out of his four seasons at Hillcrest … younger
brother of Tiger WR Dorial Green-Beckham parents – John and Tracy
Beckham … chose Mizzou over interest from Arkansas and Oklahoma …
enjoys bowling and golf in his spare time … noted that being a
long-time Mizzou fan helped in his recruitment, along with attending
football camp in Columbia for several years.
(top)
Grant Jones
Fr. * ATH * 6-3 * 225 * Columbia, Mo. (Hickman HS)
Jones
Brings
great hand-eye coordination to the field, according to Mizzou’s
coaches, as well as versatility and great football intelligence …
hometown athlete whose father, Brian Jones, coaches running backs at
Mizzou … two-way player for Hickman High School, making an impact at
both tight end and defensive end … earned all-district and all-area
recognition as a senior in 2013, making 52 tackles with 10.0
tackles-for-loss and 7.0 sacks … illustrated his nose for the ball with
two blocked punts and one blocked PAT during his final high school
season … scored eight touchdowns during his final two seasons at
Hickman … led the Kewpies with 8.0 sacks as a junior in 2012, helping
Hickman to a 9-2 record … totaled 41 tackles with an impressive 17.0
tackles-for-loss during his junior campaign, along with 10 pass
breakups … parents – Brian and Mary Kay Jones … committed shortly after
receiving his official offer from Mizzou, along with interest from
Virginia … plans to major in sports management at the University of
Missouri … listed playing basketball and working out as his main
activities during spare time … liked how Mizzou’s players and coaches
embrace the program’s family atmosphere during his recruitment.
(top)
Brandon Lee
Fr. * LB * 6-2 * 215 * Indianapolis, Ind. (Lawrence Central HS)
Brandon Lee
Smart,
athletic defender who the Mizzou coaching staff feels has a high
ceiling … first team all-state linebacker as a senior in 2013,
according to the Associated Press and IndyPreps … one of the top
linebacker prospects in the country who was ranked by ESPN as the No.
16 outside linebacker prospect in the nation, and as the No. 3 player
overall in the state of Indiana at any position ... was a four-year
contributor for Lawrence Central High School under Coach Jed Richman,
and was part of a state title team as a junior in 2012 ... had 81
tackles, two interceptions and two fumble recoveries as a junior, while
racking up 85 stops, a pair of sacks and two forced fumbles in 2011 ...
his Bears team also reached the state championship semi-finals during
his freshman season of 2010 ... was a Class 6A First Team All-State
linebacker selection by the Associated Press ... known as a versatile
talent who could play on the outside, and has the frame to grow into an
inside linebacker down the road ... has great instincts and plays with
an impressive combination of sheer talent and discipline that allows
him to make plays from sideline-to-sideline ... athleticism, range and
movement skills are considerable and he shows great first step
quickness and flows fast to the ball, while also displaying a good
understanding of pass drop concepts ... had offers from numerous
schools, and chose Mizzou over Michigan State, Oregon, Indiana,
Louisville, Virginia Tech, Minnesota, California, Iowa, Illinois, Penn
State and North Carolina State, among many others ... older brother,
Kenneth, plays football at Ball State.
(top)
Lawrence Lee
Fr. * WR * 5-11 * 175 * Pensacola, Fla. (West Florida Tech HS)
Lawrence Lee
Speed
and explosive ability turned Mizzou’s coaches on to the wide receiver
prospect … Florida Class 5A First Team All-State for West Florida Tech
High School and head coach Harry Lees as a junior in 2012 … earned
honorable mention all-state as a sophomore in 2011 and second team
all-state recognition as a senior in 2013 … snagged 56 catches for
1,104 yards and 11 touchdowns as a junior, while also rushing for 304
yards and four scores on the ground … helped West Florida Tech to a
10-2 overall record in his final high school season … high school
teammate of current Mizzou DL Nate Crawford and PK Luke Jackson, as
well as fellow 2014 signee Rocel McWilliams … chose Mizzou after
originally committing to Tennessee, among others.
(top)
Rocel McWilliams
Fr. * DL * 6-3 * 245 * Pensacola, Fla. (West Florida Tech HS)
McWilliams
Showed
his ability to be powerful and physical in the trenches to Mizzou’s
coaching staff during his high school career … Florida Class 5A Second
Team All-State defensive lineman for West Florida Tech High School and
head coach Harry Lees as a senior in 2013 … huge senior season included
73 tackles and 7.0 sacks in 2013 … helped West Florida Tech to a 10-2
overall record in his final high school season … recorded 3.0 sacks
among 34 total tackles as a junior in 2012 … high school teammate of
current Mizzou DL Nate Crawford and PK Luke Jackson, as well as fellow
2014 signee Lawrence Lee … parents – Rocel McWilliams Sr. and Gretchen
Gilchrist … chose Mizzou over Florida, Memphis, Minnesota and SMU,
among others … plans to major in business at the University of Missouri
… mentioned how Mizzou’s coaching staff made him feel at home while he
visited campus.
(top)
Kevin Pendleton
Fr. * OL * 6-3 * 320 * Lee's Summit, Mo. (Lee's Summit West HS)
Pendleton
Impressed
Mizzou’s coaches with his footwork and ability to be nimble for his
size … a physical presence in the trenches for Lee’s Summit West High
School and head coach Royce Boehm, playing both left tackle and right
tackle in two seasons with the Titans … earned Missouri Class 5 First
Team All-State recognition on the offensive line as a senior in 2013,
helping the Titans claim the Class 5 State Championship … also brought
in First Team All-Metro honors from the Kansas City Star … named to
American Family Insurance’s 2013 All-USA Missouri Football Team …
earned first team all-conference recognition every season of his high
school career … began high school career at Lincoln College Preparatory
Academy ... played baseball and participated in track and field during
his LSW and Lincoln Prep days … high school teammate of fellow 214
Mizzou signee Logan Cheadle and also played with current Mizzou center
Evan Boehm … parents – Maurice Pendleton and Barbara Heizman … chose
Mizzou over interest from Arkansas, Iowa State, Kansas State and
Nebraska, among others … plans to major in business at the University
of Missouri … mentioned his model car collection as a hobby … mentioned
the endless opportunities he’d have in the classroom as a determining
factor in his recruitment.
(top)
Thomas Richard
Fr. * WR * 6-0 * 190 * Nashville, Tenn. (Christ Presbyterian Academy)
Richard
Hard-working,
savvy wide receiver prospect that impressed Mizzou’s coaching staff
with his great hands … a major offensive difference-maker for Christ
Presbyterian Academy and head coach Ingle Martin over his final two
high school seasons, totaling 122 receptions for 2,175 yards and 27
touchdowns … went out with a bang as he recorded 67 catches for 1,103
yards and 14 scores as a senior in 2013 … earned first team all-state
recognition for his final high school season … offensive showcase for
the Lions came after opting for only basketball in his first two years
of high school at CPA … also played cornerback in his first season as a
junior in 2012, helping the squad to a 13-1 record and Tennessee Class
3A State Championship semifinals … senior campaign included powering
the Lions to a state runners-up finish … earned his district’s football
athlete of the year award following his senior season … rated as the
18th-best recruit in the state of Tennessee by Rivals.com … high school
teammate of fellow 2014 Mizzou signee Paul Adams … also played
basketball for CPA … mother, Tanya, attended Missouri’s School of
Journalism … chose Mizzou over interest from Clemson, Kentucky, South
Carolina, Tennessee, Vanderbilt and UCLA, among others … plans to major
in journalism at the University of Missouri … enjoys hunting in his
spare time … noted Missouri’s top journalism school and his positive
time with Mizzou’s coaching staff as the determining factors in his
recruitment.
(top)
Tavon Ross
Fr. * DB * 6-0 * 200 * Cochran, Ga. (Bleckley County HS)
Ross
Possesses
elite athleticism that Mizzou’s coaching staff believes will allow him
to be a hammer in the defensive secondary … excelled going both ways on
the field for Bleckley County High School and head coach Tracy White,
playing both quarterback and safety … did his part to shut down
opposing offensives with 87 tackles and six interceptions as a senior
in 2013, returning four for touchdowns … racked up 734 passing yards
and eight touchdown throws with 652 rushing yards and 10 scores on the
ground on the offensive side of the ball … powered the Royals to a
school-record nine wins in 2013 … totaled 20 touchdowns through the air
and on the ground as a junior in 2012, helping Bleckley County to an
8-3 record … chose Mizzou over Alabama, Georgia and Miami (Fla.), among
others.
(top)
Finis Stribling
Fr. * DB * 5-11 * 180 * Thompson's Station, Tenn. (Independence HS)
Stribling
Brings
top speed that impressed Mizzou’s coaching staff, with a school-record
48.01 in the 400m dash to his credit … stout defender for Independence
High School and head coach Scott Blade, totaling 51 tackles and two
interceptions as a senior in 2013, as well as five blocked PATs and
three blocked field goal attempts … picked up first team all-district
honors after his final season for the Eagles … recorded 41 tackles en
route to honorable mention all-district recognition as a junior in 2012
… invited to play in the Toyota East/West All-Star Classic following
his senior season, as one of 88 players chosen from across the state …
also participated in basketball and track and field for Independence …
claimed the state title in the 400m dash with his school
record-breaking run … also anchored Independence’s 4x400m relay to a
state title … earned local recognition from Thompson’s Station for his
Eagle Scout project, the construction of benches for a city park …
chose Mizzou over interest from Cincinnati and Kentucky.
(top)
Greg Taylor
Fr. * DB * 5-11 * 185 * East St. Louis, Ill. (East St. Louis HS)
Taylor
Versatility
and physicality were important elements of his game to Mizzou’s
coaches, as well as a high level of athleticism … made major
contributions for East St. Louis High School and head coach Darren
Sunkett on both defense and offense … recorded 94 tackles, 2.0 sacks
and two interceptions as a senior in 2013, while also rushing for 1,814
yards and 22 touchdowns … named to The St. Louis American’s all-area
team … earned all-state and all-conference recognition in his final
high school season … totaled 92 tackles, two interceptions and 1.0 sack
as a junior in 2012 … rated as the 19th-best player in Illinois’ class
of 2014 by Rivals.com … also participated in track and field for East
St. Louis … mother - Ruby McCoy … chose Mizzou over interest from
Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky and Michigan … plans to major in
communication at the University of Missouri … lists playing football,
basketball and hanging out with his teammates as hobbies … noted that
the Mizzou coaches and players made him feel like family when he
visited campus.
(top)
Trevon Walters
Fr. * TB * 5-10 * 195 * Bradenton, Fla. (Manatee HS)
Walters
Vision
out of the backfield caught the attention of Mizzou’s coaches, as well
as his toughness and physicality … back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing
seasons for Manatee High School and head coach Joe Kinnan, including a
1,704-yard senior season in 2013 with 15 total touchdowns … senior
campaign aided Manatee on its journey to a second-straight undefeated
regular season and district title … rushed for 1,119 yards and 16
touchdowns as a junior in 2012 … earned local offensive player of the
year recognitions from the Sarasota Herald-Tribune and Bradenton Herald
following his senior season … earned Florida Class 8A Second Team
All-State recognition following his 2013 campaign … rated as the No. 16
all-purpose running back in the nation by Rivals.com … parents –
Toddrick Walters and Tamara Cotton … chose Mizzou over Minnesota,
Marshall, South Florida and Toledo, among others … plans to major in
sports management at the University of Missouri … noted how Mizzou felt
like a great place to be during the recruitment process.
(top)
Spencer Williams
Fr. * DL * 6-4 * 220 * Jacksonville, Fla. (First Coast HS)
Williams
A
quick, electric defensive line recruit that has Mizzou’s coaches
excited about his big play ability … earned Florida Class 8A Second
Team All-State recognition as a senior in 2013 for First Coast High
School and head coach Marty Lee … made his presence known by opposing
offensives in his senior season, recording 65 tackles with 15.0 sacks
to help lead the Buccaneers to an 11-2 overall record … earned The
Florida Times-Union All-First Coast Second Team recognition as a senior
… chose Mizzou late in the recruiting process over Cincinnati, Auburn,
Iowa State, Nebraska, N.C. State and Purdue, among others.
(top)
Thomas Wilson
Fr. * ATH * 5-11 * 185 * Buford, Ga. (Buford HS)
Wilson
Fearless
attitude impressed Mizzou’s coaching staff, as well as his explosive
ability on the field … helped Buford High School and head coach Jess
Simpson to three Georgia Class AAA state championships during his four
years with the Wolves, playing running back and cornerback … picked up
Georgia Sportswriters Association First Team All-State honors as a
returner as a senior in 2013 … aided his squad’s 35-19 title-claiming
performance over Washington County as a senior with 118 rushing yards
and two scores on the ground … earned all-area recognition from The
Times of Gainesville following his senior season … rated as the No. 27
athlete in the nation by Rivals.com … chose Mizzou over Arizona,
Illinois, Kansas State, Michigan State, Tennessee and Wisconsin, among
others.
(top)
Raymond Wingo
Fr. * DB * 6-0 * 175 * St. Louis, Mo. (St. Louis University HS)
Wingo
A
playmaker who is also a home run threat is what Mizzou’s coaching staff
saw during his high school career … played both wide receiver and
defensive back for St. Louis University High School and head coach Gary
Kornfeld … totaled a team-high 482 rushing yards with five touchdowns
as a senior in 2013, also grabbing 18 receptions for 241 yards and two
touchdowns … recorded 24 tackles and two interceptions on the defensive
side of the ball … stellar junior season in 2012 included 1,379 rushing
yards and 20 touchdowns, as well as five interceptions … older brother,
Ronnie Wingo Jr., is a running back in the NFL for the Buffalo Bills …
considered the No. 7 recruit in the Show-Me State by Rivals.com … also
participated in track and field for St. Louis University High School,
claiming a 100m dash championship … parents – Ronnie and Tiffany Wingo
… chose Mizzou over offers from many of the other top programs in the
country, including Arkansas, Auburn, Iowa, Kansas State, Michigan
State, Nebraska and Tennessee … lists fishing and playing basketball as
hobbies … noted Mizzou’s family atmosphere as playing an important role
in his decision.
(top)
Roderick Winters
Fr. * LB * 5-11 * 195 * Arlington, Texas (Bowie HS)
Winters
Brings
impressive quickness, speed and maturity to the field, according to
Mizzou’s coaches … earned his second Texas Class 5A All-District 3
First Team recognition as a senior in 2013 for Bowie High School and
head coach Danny DeArman … dominated the field with 150 tackles and
14.0 sacks as a senior … totaled 97 tackles as a junior in 2012 after
switching to linebacker from wide receiver … former high school
teammate of current Mizzou tailback Russell Hansbrough … also hails
from the same high school as former standout cornerback Kip Edwards …
participated in track and field throughout his Bowie career, qualifying
for districts and regionals … parents – Dettrick and Kametra Winters …
chose Mizzou over Louisiana Tech and New Mexico State, among others …
plans to major in electrical engineering at the University of Missouri
… noted how his decision to choose Mizzou was helped by how much he
liked Missouri’s campus and the notoriety MU has in his planned field
of study.
(top)
Ish Witter
Fr. * TB * 5-8 * 195 * Tampa, Fla. (Alonso HS)
Witter
Possesses
eye-catching shifting and cutting ability which caught the attention of
Mizzou’s coaching staff … found the end zone throughout his career at
Alonso High School for head coach Brian Emanuel, scoring 28 rushing
touchdowns as a Raven … totaled 850 rushing yards and 10 scores on the
ground as a senior in 2013, earning first team all-conference
recognition for the second-straight year … rushed for 902 yards and six
touchdowns as a junior in 2012, all while battling through a late
season ankle injury … also participated in track and field at Alonso …
father – Delroy Witter … chose Mizzou over Marshall, Ohio, Rutgers and
Syracuse, among others … plans to major in criminal justice at the
University of Missouri … enjoys reading in his spare time … noted how
beautiful Mizzou’s campus was during his visit, along with the
family-oriented atmosphere instilled by the Tigers’ coaches and players.
(top)
Marvin Zanders
Fr. * QB * 6-2 * 185 * Jacksonville, Fla. (Raines HS)
Zanders
A
highly-regarded dual-threat quarterback prospect that Mizzou coaches
like for his athleticism and play-making ability ... known as a poised
presence in the pocket, but who is very dangerous when breaking away
from pressure ... has shown a strong and accurate arm throwing on the
run ... has outstanding quickness and foot speed that makes him
dangerous on designed runs or when he chooses to tuck the ball and take
off ... earned The Florida Times-Union All-First Coast Second Team
recognition as a senior … amassed over 2,500 yards of total offense as
a senior in 2013, and was responsible for 37 touchdowns ... completed
130-of-224 passes in 2013 for 1,866 yards and 22 TDs, while he ran for
705 yards (on nearly 7.0 yards per carry) and 15 more scores ... led
Jacksonville Raines High School to a 9-3 record in 2013, including a
five-game win streak late in the season for head coach Deran Wiley's
team ... threw for 1,839 yards and 18 TDs in 2012, and also ran for 416
yards and four scores ... chose Mizzou over Duke, Florida, Georgia
Tech, Iowa State and Kentucky, among many others.
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