If college football’s National Signing Day is indeed “Christmas in February,” then the Missouri Tigers found themselves with plenty of gifts to unwrap on Wednesday. According to rivals.com, Mizzou wound up with the 27th ranked class in the nation and ESPN had the Tigers rated even higher (18th).
“We always believe in our evaluation system. We have a system we believe in. I think we develop players as good as anybody.” Head coach Gary Pinkel said soon after the ink dried on each of his 23 recruits’ letters of intent. Perhaps no coach in the country is as good at scouting, evaluating and developing talent as Pinkel and his staff at Mizzou.
The Tigers signed 23 players to the 2015 recruiting class, which is highlighted by standout players like defensive tackle Terry Beckner Jr., and quarterback Drew Lock. As always, there are several under-the-radar type guys that will be key cogs to the continued success of Mizzou football. Here’s a look at each of the 23 players that signed with Missouri:
Missouri Tigers 2015 Recruiting Class
*Star Rankings According to Rivals.com
Abbington will finally get his shot at Mizzou after going the JUCO route out of high school and is a big, physical back and should bring a different dynamic to the Missouri offense than they’ve had in the past.
2. Franklin Agbasimere (3-star) LB, Montverde, FL 6’2 220.
A natural, gifted athlete that fits in perfectly to the Mizzou recruiting philosophy. Did not gain much national attention but could be a force at linebacker for Missouri in the years to come.
3. Terry Beckner Jr. (4-star) DT, East St. Louis, IL 6’4 300.
One of the top defensive recruits in America, Beckner could have an immediate impact at defensive tackle and is an absolute monster in the middle. Chose Missouri over Auburn, Ohio State and Florida State on National Signing Day.
4. Malik Cuellar (3-star) OL, San Francisco, CA (CCSF) 6’5 295.
Cuellar is another JUCO transfer who enrolled early at Missouri in hopes of getting a leg-up on the depth chart. Could play tackle or guard at the Division 1 level.
5. Marquise Doherty (4-star) RB/DB, Kansas City, MO 6’0 194.
Versatile and talented player that could play running back or safety at the college level. Is also a tremendous baseball talent that could wind up being taken very high in the upcoming MLB Draft.
6. Corey Fatoney (3-star) Kicker, Franklin, TN 5’11 185.
Most likely will be a punter at the collegiate level but has decent skills as a kicker as well. Fatoney averaged over 42 yard per punt as a senior.
7. Richaud Floyd (3-star) WR, Gulfport, MS 5’11 165.
Floyd was a speed-option quarterback as a high school senior and runs a sub- 4.4 40-yard dash. His speed and athleticism should find him competing for snaps at the receiver position sooner than later.
8. Marcell Frazier (3-star) DE, Weed, CA (College of the Siskiyous) 6’4 245.
Frazier could compete for reps immediately after the void left at defensive end by Markus Golden and Shane Ray. Frazier comes to Mizzou from the same JUCO that former star Sheldon Richardson attended.
9. Emmanuel Hall (3-Star) WR, Franklin, TN 6’3 196.
Could be a big steal for Mizzou at the receiver position. Hall has a nice combination of size, speed and athleticism. He is a tremendous route runner that shows exceptional skills after the catch.
10. Terez Hall (3-star) LB, Lithonia, GA 6’3 208.
Hall chose Mizzou on National Signing Day despite taking visits to several Big 10 schools including Iowa, Nebraska, Wisconsin, and Indiana. Hall is a big-hitter who could be a big contributor once he adds weight.
11. A.J. Harris (4-star) OL, Stillwell, KS 6’3 297.
The #1 player in the state of Kansas crosses the border to play in the SEC and looks to be a complete beast. Harris will likely fit in on the interior of the Mizzou offensive line and will likely be a multi-year starter at the guard position.
12. Cam Hilton (3-star) DB, St. Louis, MO 6’0 172.
Hilton is the pure definition of a play-making safety, whether it be in run support or in coverage. He has lots of intangibles and absolutely flies to the football. Hilton will likely be a big-time fan favorite in Columbia.
13. Nate Howard (3-star) DE, St. Louis, MO 6’5 220.
Howard was originally committed to Wisconsin before flipping to Mizzou the week before signing day. Howard has loads of defensive instincts and is a tenacious pass-rusher.
14. Tyler Howell (3-star) OL, El Dorado, KS (Butler CC) 6’9 305.
Has some weight that he can add to his 6’9 frame but could be an immediate factor at the tackle position for the Tigers. Howell has solid footwork and should find himself in the two-deep at left tackle immediately.
15. Tyrell Jacobs (3-star) DE, Metairie, LA 6’4 260.
Has really good size coming out of high school and looks the part of a solid Division 1 defensive end. Jacobs was originally committed to Oklahoma but gave the verbal to Mizzou the week before signing day.
16. Johnathon Johnson (3-star) WR, Memphis, TN 5’8 174.
Johnson is a small, slot-type receiver, but his playmaking ability is undeniable. His high school coach said that “he’s going to be matchup nightmare for anybody who tries to cover him even in the SEC.”
17. Drew Lock (4-star) QB, Lees Summit, MO 6’3 205.
Perhaps the crowning jewel of the 2015 recruiting class for Missouri, Drew Lock is an extremely polished and talented quarterback that could be the next legend for the Tigers.
18. Josh Moore (3-star) Olathe, KS 6’5 250.
Moore originally committed to Ohio State to play tight end and later switched to Kansas before settling on Mizzou. Moore will move to defensive end for the Tigers, a position where Moore possesses natural ability.
19. Tanner Owen (2-star) OL, Kearney, MO 6’6 265.
Owen is the lone 2-star recruit for Mizzou this season but expectations are very high for the Kearney, MO native. He has quick feet and possesses solid agility, but will need to bulk up.
20. Ronnell Perkins (3-star) WR, St. Louis, MO 6’0 185.
A versatile athlete who returned kicks, caught passes at receiver and even played defense at University High.
21. Justin Smith (3-star) WR, Dublin, GA 6’7 200.
Smith’s 6’7 frame makes him an immediate mismatch for defenses and he possesses loads of athletic ability as well. He runs a 4.6 40 and is a welcomed addition to a largely untested Mizzou receiving corps.
22. T.J. Warren (3-star) DB, Conyers, GA 6’0 190.
A two-way player in high school, Warren will play cornerback at Mizzou and his 4.4 speed makes him stand out immediately.
23. Ryan Williams (3-star) RB, Lees Summit, MO 5’10 178.
Williams is a versatile, workhorse type back that rushed for 900 yards or more in back-to-back seasons in high school. He definitely fits the Mizzou runningback mold although a crowded backfield will make it difficult for him to get carries early.
Quick Hitters
- Most Underrated Prospect: Cam Hilton
- Best NFL Prospect: Terry Beckner Jr.
- Most Likely to Play Immediately: Chase Abbington
- Most Polished Player: Drew Lock
- Could Emerge Out of Nowhere: Franklin Agbasimere
