The first few weeks of the college football season are always full of surprising performances and new roles, and the Missouri Tigers are no exception.
With several transfers and true freshmen occupying priority spots on the leaderboard, expect to see some new faces on the field. Additionally, several returning players have earned larger roles after an intense fall training camp. Here are three players to keep an eye on in the Tigers’ 2024 season opener on Thursday night.
One of the top stories of fall camp: Cornerback Nic Deloach, a redshirt freshman, has seemingly earned a spot in the starting lineup after little action in his first season. In Missouri’s Week 1 roster, Deloach is listed as a boundary corner in the starting lineup, paired with an “or” with Clemson transfer Torianno Pride Jr.
For Deloach, the most important part of the learning curve to overcome was confidence. Defensive coaches emphasize free play for a reason. Deloach seems to have reached the point where he simply reacts automatically to what he sees, rather than spending time thinking and doubting.
“I was very nervous,” Deloach said of his first season as a freshman during fall camp. “I was just nervous and overthinking. I learned that you have to take everything slower, trust your coach and just play.”
READ: Missouri cornerback Nic Deloach has overcome his freshman nerves and is ready to expand his role
Deloach, a decorated track and field athlete in high school, is somewhat of an unknown from the outside. He will likely be in action early and often on Thursday night. Seeing how he responds to the challenge will be the best test of how comfortable he has become since his freshman year of high school.
A flashy freshman in 2023, Marquis Johnson has the opportunity to establish himself as a leader in Missouri’s receiver corps for years to come. The sophomore is one of the Tigers’ best deep-threat options and will likely play a key role in much of what Missouri’s offense attempts this season.
In a press conference at the end of fall camp, Drinkwitz was honest about the development he and the rest of the coaching staff hope to see from Johnson during his sophomore season.
“Marquis is a very gifted football player and a very special talent with the right skills,” Drinkwitz said. “The challenge for Marquis is to continue to mature off the field and keep his energy consistent.”
READ: Marquis Johnson is expected to make greater progress in maturity and play in his second year
The coaching staff and Johnson himself hope that the speedy receiver will develop into a more versatile receiver in 2024. After catching 13 passes in 2023, Johnson could get more playing time in situations that don’t correspond to quarterback Brady Cook’s home run balls.
Eddie Kelly, who transfers from Georgia Tech, brings the versatility that Missouri’s front seven lost with the departure of Darius Robinson. While that doesn’t mean Kelly will have as much of an impact as the first-round pick in the NFL Draft, he will be an important part of Missouri’s defense.
Kelly will take on a particularly important role following the injury to Georgia transfer Darris Smith. He and Michigan State transfer Zion Young are listed as starting defensive ends, with established starter Johnny Walker Jr. on the other side.
What the split between Kelly and Young will be is unknown. At 6’4″ and 275 pounds, Kelly brings impressive strength and athleticism to the field. But does he have enough of both to be a three-down player?
Missouri’s defense should have reliable depth and flexibility overall, with players like Kelly who could find specialized roles that best fit their skill sets. His first stint as an SEC defensive lineman could show exactly how Missouri plans to use him.
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