Mizzou Minute: Defensive Secondary Undergoing Changes During Spring Practice
In this story:
New Missouri Tigers defensive coordinator Corey Batoon is trying to prevent communication in the defensive secondary from becoming a game of telephone. The 33-year coaching veteran wants his defensive backs to focus on being loud and clear this offseason.
The secondary for Missouri is one of the position groups that will be experiencing the most turnover. With standouts Ennis Rakestraw, Kris Abrams-Draine and J.C Carlies all declaring for the NFL draft, the Tigers have three starting spots to fill.
Missouri did add Clemson defensive back Torianno Pride Jr. through the transfer portal this offseason but will also be heavily relying on their returning starters, including Joseph Charleston and Dreyden Norwood.
In this video, MizzzouCentral's Joey Van Zummeren breaks down Norwood and Charleston's performance through spring practice and how Batoon expects the group to improve their communication.
Norwood, a junior who started his career at Texas A&M, started in five games in 2023 for Missouri due to injuries to multiple starters.
Charleston, a senior safety who started his career at Clemson, started all 13 games last year for Missouri. He was the team's second-leading tackler with 60 tackles on the 2023 season. With Carlies out of the lineup, he'll likely play a more prominent role for Missouri along with fellow safety Tre'Vez Johnson. During spring practices, Charleston has also spoke about taking on more of a leadership role for next year.
Missouri fans will get their first look at the revamped secondary Saturday, March 16 at the Spring Game set at Faurot Field for 1 p.m.
