Tiger Secondary an early highlight from training camp
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
Mizzou's defense taking shape ahead of the opening game.
Corey Batoon's unit has been filled with question marks since the portal opened up back in January. Nearly every starter from the 2025-26 group is no longer in Columbia, leaving quite the hole in the defense.
Fortunately, the defensive line has many players that have been in the system with head coach Eli Drinkwitz. Those players that have been with the team for the past few season know the drill and what is expected of them come week one.
The secondary wasn't assembled in the same way. This group is built from bringing in highly touted transfers to fill the holes. Guys like Chris Graves Jr. and Sione Laulea bolster the cornerback position, while Kensley Louidor-Faustin and Elijah Dotson have been splitting reps at STAR safety.
"We're at our best when our defensive players are, especially in the secondary, are ball hawks," Drinkwitz said.
Even with the amount of talent the group has, there's still questions around who is going to lead the unit and show these new players what it means to be a Mizzou Tiger. This is where returning safety Santana Banner comes in.
The senior was named one of team's six captains for the upcoming season, and has quickly become a vocal presence throughout the off season. He's been mentoring the newcomers and building the team chemistry.
"We have a standard up here. We hold everybody to it no matter who you are," Banner said. "We say every day, 'come into the building with your cool suit off.' Make sure you're humble, you've got your head on straight, and you're ready to attack the day."
Banner is set to control the back end along side fellow returner Trajen Greco. While he's been in Columbia for three seasons now, this is the first chance he'll have to be a full time starter, and he plans on taking full advantage of it.
"You want to have a physical presence out there, just so the other team and the opponent knows what's coming on the field on game days," Greco said. "We're going to be physical every play no matter what happens."
Even with the large number of transfers in, there's plenty of young talent still set to come through the system. Those veterans are hoping to instill many of the values and lay the groundwork for the culture to carry over, no matter who comes or goes.
"I've seen a lot of good ball out there. A lot of plays being made by a lot of different people, and I see some young guys stepping up a lot, too," Greco said.
Mizzou will get its first chance to show off this new defense on Thursday, Sept. 3 when they kick off against Arkansas-Pine Bluff. The game is scheduled to start at 7:00 p.m.
