Lock to stay at Mizzou for senior season

It’s the news Mizzou football fans have been waiting to hear – Drew Lock will stay at Mizzou for his senior year. The 6’4″ junior quarterback could’ve declared early for the NFL draft, but he’s chosen to finish out his MU career instead.

In a release, Lock said, “I’m very excited to be coming back for my senior year, and I’m really optimistic about what we can do as a team next season. There were a lot of factors that went into this decision, but the main ones include: a feeling of responsibility and loyalty to my coaches and teammates at Mizzou – we have goals to achieve together; having the chance to play for a new coach in Coach Dooley, and his system that will continue to add to my development; and of course, getting my degree. I feel like all of these factors combine to give me the best chance to succeed at the next level. Thank you to Coach Odom and everyone on the Mizzou staff for being patient and very helpful to my family and me during this process. I’m looking forward to exciting things to come!”

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Lock is coming off of his best statistical season. He broke the SEC and Mizzou single-season touchdown record with 44 scores. Lock also led the nation in that category.

This past season, Lock went 242-419 (57.76 %) for 3,964 yards. He threw 13 interceptions. Lock averaged 304.92 passing yards per game. His QB rating was 165.67.

The Lee’s Summit native has thrown for 8,426 yards in his three years at MU. He needs to throw 4,090 yards next season to break Chase Daniel’s Mizzou record. Lock has thrown for 70 TD’s in three seasons. He needs to throw 32 scores next season to break Chase Daniel’s record.

In a release, head coach Barry Odom said, “I’m proud of Drew and his family for how they approached this decision and how they handled themselves during the process. We were very thorough in gathering all the information possible to assist. Drew obviously has a great skill set that will continue to be developed at Mizzou. His leadership skills and being a great teammate are two qualities that I admire. I look forward to building our team this spring and am excited that Drew will be part of that. I know he will have an unbelievable approach in his preparation and practice habits to lead our program. He’s going to graduate from Mizzou and have a great senior season. I’m excited for Drew and our team moving forward.”

MU will return nine of its 11 starters on offense. Wide out J’Mon Moore and running back Ish Witter were the only two seniors on last year’s team.

Defensive lineman Terry Beckner Jr. could’ve declared early for the NFL Draft – but like Lock – he also chose to stay for his senior season. On defense, Mizzou will return seven of its 11 starters. Jordan Harold, A.J. Logan, Marcell Frazier and Anthony Sherrils were the seniors on last year’s team.

Mizzou opens the 2018 season on Saturday, September 1st when the Tigers host UT Martin.