The Three Mizzou Players with the Most Opportunities in Spring Football
The first step for the Missouri Tigers to build off of their memorable 2023 season will come soon with spring practices. Coach Eli Drinkwitz mentioned multiple times after winning the Cotton Bowl Classic in December the need to avoid complacency. That will include some healthy competition at practices leading up to the spring game on March 16. Here's the three players for Missouri with the most to gain/prove during the spring.
Triston Newson, LB
Though new defensive coordinator Corey Batoon is expected to run a system similar to Blake Bakers' 4-2-5, there's bound to be a few changes. How Batoon utilizes the talent in a depleted linebacker room will be one of the more interesting things to monitor through the spring.
Due to Chad Bailey and Ty'Ron Hopper both experiencing injuries, Newson appeared in 10 games last season. The JUCO transfer compiled 51 total tackles and recovered two fumbles.
With Bailey and Hopper both declaring for the NFL Draft, Newson should have the opportunity to earn a starting inside linebacker job for this season alongside Chuck Hicks.
Newson, entering his senior season, will have to compete with Corey Flagg Jr., a transfer from Miami who has plenty of versatility. Both Newson and Flagg could play a similar role that Hopper did as a faster linebacker who can also pass rush.
It's difficult to see where Newson will have much of an edge over Flagg besides his familiarity with the team. Flagg also played in the 4-2-5 scheme at Miami and has more playing experience than Newson. Newson will have his work cut out for him in order to earn a spot over Flagg or at least a rotational role.
Nate Noel, RB
Replacing the SEC's 2023 leading rusher will be no easy task for Missouri. But it likely won't be a one-man job.
Last season, Missouri relied almost solely on Schrader. Nate Peat, who only received 12 carries in weeks 6-12, was much more of a understudy than anything to Schrader. Expect the Tigers to utilize more depth this season.
The lead-man for the group will likely be Georgia State transfer Marcus Carroll. One of the top rated running back transfers, Carroll rushed for 1,350 yards and 13 touchdowns last year.
The second running back spot though should be a healthy competition between Noel, four-star freshman Kewan Lacy and returning Tigers Tauvourus Jones and Jamal Roberts.
Noel, a four-year player from Appalachian State, by far has the most college experience out of the three. He has impressive burst out of the backfield and could also be used in the receiving game.
This spring, Noel could prove the value of his experience with the speed of the college game, even if in half tempo practices. His experience should also help him quickly learn Kirby Moore's offense with fewer speed bumps than his main competition (Lacy) will likely have as a true freshman.
Dreyden Norwood, DB
The defensive secondary is one of Missouri's position groups that will undergo the most change this season. With cornerbacks Ennis Rakestraw Jr..Kris Abrams-Draine and safety J.C. Carlies all declaring for the NFL Draft, plenty of jobs should be up for grabs.
The biggest reinforcement Missouri added to the secondary was Clemson transfer Toriano Pride Jr., a native of East St. Louis.
Alongside Pride, Norwood makes the strongest argument for a starting cornerback job. Coming off of a redshirt sophomore season where he started in five games, Norwood has the most experience and versatility of any returning defensive back for Missouri. The former four-star prospect has the ability to play both boundary and nickel corner.
Spring ball will give Norwood the opportunity to prove he has improved from his experience last year and should start opposite of Pride.
