Baptism by fire should fuel Mizzou’s Lock

So many problems plagued the Missouri football team in 2015 that a true freshman starting 8 games was no where near the top of the list.

Drew Lock’s performance during fall camp last year turned the heads of the Mizzou coaching staff and made fans salivate at his boundless potential. No one, including Lock himself, could have been prepared for the events that followed including incumbent starter Maty Mauk being suspended from the team for a violation of team rules.

2015 is in now far in the rear view for the talented kid from Lees’ Summit, Missouri and new head coach Barry Odom is very high on his QB heading into his sophomore season.

“He efficiently ran the offense and didn’t try to press and do too much, which was exciting for me to see,” Odom told The Kansas City Star. “I’ve said it a number of times, his skill set is off the charts.”

Lock’s skill set is undeniable. The 6’4, 205 LB strong-armed QB was a huge coup for Mizzou football recruiting back in 2014 and his year of seasoning could pay off big for the team this year. He clearly demonstrated poise and toughness even while going through the growing pains during this first year in Columbia.

“It made me stronger and I’m thankful for it now,” the recently short-haired Lock explained. “I’d rather have it happen now than two years down the road.“

Clearly, for Lock to live up to his potential, he will need a vastly improved offensive line and the emergence of more playmakers at receiver and running back. The offense received a few pieces of good news this off season as the team added transfers Chris Black (wide receiver, Alabama) and Alex Ross (running back, Oklahoma) and things appear to be in good hands under new offensive coordinator Josh Heupel who has spent a lot of time with Lock in the film room since joining the coaching staff back in December.

“I notice a difference already in camp, lining up and knowing what that guy is going to do, instead of thinking  hopefully they’re playing (this particular) defense.” Lock recently stated.

There is no doubt that Drew Lock has been the heir-apparent at quarterback since that joyful day back in April of 2014 when he pledged his commitment to the home-state school. His dapper looks and infectious smile were on full display that day and everyone in attendance at the Summit Grill that evening knew Mizzou had just landed a very special player and it’s very likely that each and every one of them will be proven correct.