The Missouri Tigers have released their official preseason depth chart for 2015.
You can view the official depth chart via Dave Matter of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch here.
- On the…Quarterbacks: Unsurprising to see Maty Mauk at the top spot. As previously mentioned, he’s going to only get better. Eddie Printz seems to have the backup slot to himself, and Corbin Berkstresser saw action in 10 games for an injured James Franklin way back in 2012 and provides experience one normally doesn’t see from a quarterback fourth on the depth chart. As expected, Drew Lock will receive the red shirt.
- On the…Running Backs: Russell Hansbrough is coming off a 1,000 yard season in 2014 and looks to be the focal point of Missouri’s offense in 2015. Ish Witter is gearing up for his breakthrough, and likely will as he’ll have the same role Marcus Murphy had last year.
- On the…Pass Catchers: The biggest question mark has a lot of unproven talent, emphasis on unproven. Nate Brown is starting in the slot, his five career receptions is the most of the Wide Receivers. Tight End Sean Culkin was a serviceable starter when he was healthy in 2014. If he stays healthy, he could a lot more passes come his way. There’s optimism surrounding J’Mon Moore as he could develop into a star. Senior Wesley Leftwich is a nice upperclassmen addition to the wide-outs.
- On the…O-Line: A questionable front five has 4 seniors slated to start, with Nate Crawford, Sophomore, , is the only underclassmen. he’ll be starting at Right Tackle. Mr. Do-It-All Evan Boehm as the starting Center.
- On the…Front Four: What most will notice first is that Harold Brantley is still slated as Missouri’s starting Defensive Tackle. Brantley was seriously injured in a car accident on June 21. It’s expected that Gary Pinkel will shed more light on Brantley on Day 3 of SEC Media Days. Another interesting spot to keep an eye one is at the end positions. Marcus Loud was set to be the starter, but was dismissed from the program on May 20. Missouri has earned the title of D-Line U for a reason, so anyone of the starters, Walter Brady and Charles Harris at the ends and tackles A.J. Logan and Terry Beckner Jr. (Assuming Brantley misses playing time) will emerge as stars.
- On the…Linebackers: As long as Kentrell Brothers is around, Missouri’s mid-field will be fine, if not great. Brothers is an established star and will play like one in 2015. Donavin Newsom drew comparisons to Sean Weatherspoon last August and will see an upgraded role this year. Junior Michael Scherer was credited with 51 solo tackles and 114 total tackles in 2014.
- On the…Secondary: Kenya Dennis is the head of the secondary after Braylon Webb’s departure. He could be a big play maker in the respected veteran role. Aarion Penton grabbed three interceptions in 2014, including a 38 yard return against Toledo. Ian Simon and Anthony Sherrils make up the starting safeties.
We’ll see how much changes in the upcoming weeks, and an update on Brantley. With a lot of potential, but not a lot of experience, it’s difficult to predict how well the Tigers will perform in 2015.
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