Big 12 Recruiting Roundup: Missouri
6 comments so far
February 12, 2008 by
If not for some pickpocketing by the Tigers when the Huskers were vulnerable, the Huskers might have again have put some distance between themselves and Missouri on signing day. Instead, Missouri snared five-star quarterback Blaine Gabbert (wasn’t that the name of Lisa Whelchel’s character on the Facts of Life?) and four-star offensive lineman Dan Hoch as Nebraska’s coaching staff was in transition.
The Tigers also snatched some four-star targets in wide receiver Wes Kemp and Andrew Jones. The rest of the class looks pretty solid and balanced. Only a few two stars were taken and one was a 6’5” receiver and another a 6’5” defensive end, so there’s certainly some upside there.
The other noteworthy aspect of the class is that it doesn’t include a single junior college player. The Missouri’s last three classes had a total of seventeen. The Tigers are seemingly out of “spackle” mode and are now using recruiting for the long-term mode.
It’s for that reason as much as any that the Tigers class is near the top of the division in terms of rankings. Like Colorado’s, it’s rated ahead of Nebraska’s by Rivals.com (#26) and behind the Huskers on Scout.com (#31). That again has to do with the depth of the Huskers class getting more credit by Scout.com.
If there were hopes that Missouri was a one or two year wonder, this class would serve as a reminder that the Tigers may be around to stay. The Big 12 North is becoming a tougher neighborhood and Missouri’s program is a major reason why.
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doombob Feb 12 08
Missouri has made the biggest strides faster than I've ever seen. You could write a textbook on how they jumped from around a .500 school to a national contender. Pinkel knows the value of good players with a few shining stars sprinkled in. It's what a team like Texas was missing this year. It gives me hope for a hard worker like Pelini. Only next year will tell if Kansas or Mizzou were flukes, but I don't think they were.
Tyler Hughes Feb 12 08
And yet until last year, most "fans" were calling for Pinkel's head. Remember how hated his re-up on his contract was last year.....
I continue to be impressed by all the things I'm seeing in Pelini. Seems like an ideal fit. However, it will all come down to execution won't it? !
Tony Feb 12 08
Steve,
It was Blair on the FOL. Keep writing good stuff, enjoy it a lot.
Bill in Iowa Feb 12 08
I love the competition in the Big 12 North. Its good for the conference, it makes an interesting season for the fans, and it can only make the Huskers work harder and get better.
Andrew Feb 12 08
For some reason I am not to worried?
cvldfg Feb 13 08
Two thoughts:
-If Missouri has another good year, does anyone think that Pinkel will not be offered a better deal somewhere else? And will he take it?
-If Missouri has a bad or 8-4, 7-5 year, will Missouri's cred slip in recruiting?