Mizzou defense sets sights on being the best
COLUMBIA Mo. (KMIZ)
The Mizzou defense exceeded expectations in year one under defensive coordinator Blake Baker, in 2022, and will look to do the same in the upcoming season. The group said the goal is to be the best, plain and simple.
Players said the key to being the best is consistency in everything they do, whether it's in practice or a game. Safety Daylan Carnell added he feels like chemistry this unit has built will come in handy.
"We're like a real tight group. I mean, we hang out with each other outside of here," he said. "We all know what we're doing now, it's the second year in, so it's really just higher expectations."
You can watch the full interview with Carnell in the video player below.
2023 will be the second season that Baker is at the helm of the Tiger defense. The group made some big strides in his first season, as MU finished in the top four in the Southeastern Conference for tackles for loss, sacks, interceptions, total yards allowed and rushing yards allowed. That success came in a year, where many veterans had to learn an entirely new defense, so needless to say, expectations are even higher this time around.
"There's definitely an expectation. I mean, we want to be the best, so we don't expect nothing but that, but to be the best," linebacker Ty'Ron Hopper said.
You can watch the full interview with Hopper in the video player below.
The offseason came with big news for the Mizzou defense, as multiple veterans decided to return for one more year. Defensive linemen Darius Robinson and Jayden Jernigan, cornerbacks Ennis Rakestraw and Kris Abrams Draine, Hopper and others all came back to Columbia.
"It's big because we feel like we got a lot of leadership, got a lot of vets, so we expect a lot out of ourselves and we work everyday to reach our goal. We keep working everyday and pushing everybody to get one percent better everyday," defensive lineman Josh Landry said.
You can watch the full interview with Landry in the video player below.
One point of emphasis for the defense headed into 2023 is creating more turnovers. From a defensive line perspective, Landry said it's all about getting more pressure on the quarterback. As for the secondary, players said that Baker wants more interceptions, as the group finished with 12 in 2022.
"He [Blake Baker] just preaches everyday about finishing on the ball, being aggressive, trust yourself and if you see it, just go get it," Carnell said.
The defense also said its seen some big improvement on the offensive side of the ball. Multiple players pointed out the work that the offensive line has put in under first-year position coach Brandon Jones. Sophomore offensive lineman Armand Membou said there is a difference at fall camp with Coach Jones in charge.
"Coach Jones has really been trying to change our mentality up front and just making sure we finish blocks. I think he's definitely helped us a lot," he said.
You can watch the full interview with Membou in the video player below.
Running back and Columbia-native Nathaniel Peat also said he's seen those guys on the offensive line get to work. He added there's a lot more holes for him and the other running backs to work with.
Peat didn't have the first season in Columbia that he would have dreamed of in 2023, but he said it was important for him to come back and use another year of eligibility with the Tigers. He has more to show Tiger fans in the upcoming season.
"I just plan on giving full Nate Peat, all my speed, all my ability and just staying healthy," he said.
You can watch the full interview with Peat in the video player below.
The Tigers will hold another practice, open to the media, on Wednesday.
