Mizzou Football wrapping up first week of spring camp
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
Week one of Mizzou Football's spring camp is just about in the books. Eli Drinkwitz's crew held their fourth practice of the week on Saturday afternoon at Faurot Field. Afterwards, four players met with media members to answer questions as the Tigers prepare for the upcoming 2024 season this fall.
You can watch extended highlights of day four of Mizzou's spring practices in the video player below.
On the defensive side of the ball, Mizzou will be looking to replace the valuable leadership of former captains Chad Bailey, Ty'Ron Hopper and Darius Robinson. Fellow defensive lineman Johnny Walker Jr. seems poised to step into a similar role as Robinson had with the team last season. Walker Jr. won the Cotton Bowl's Defensive MVP award last year and also posted a stellar season, recording five sacks and three forced fumbles over 13 games. Now, he's taking advantage of spring camp to improve his game and be one of the leaders of the Tiger defense.
"I kind of want to be my own person, own leader. I want to follow in [Darius Robinson's] footsteps but kind of lead in my own way," Walker Jr. said.
You can watch the full press conference with Mizzou defensive lineman Johnny Walker Jr. in the video player below.
That Mizzou defense has gotten the opportunity to begin adjusting to first-year defensive coordinator Corey Batoon's scheme during spring practices. So far, it's been beneficial for that unit to get to face Mizzou's talented offense while learning the new scheme to keep improving.
"Me personally, I'm in the slot, so I go against Luther Burden every day. That's the best receiver in the country, so just going against him every day, for me, that just makes me better," Daylan Carnell said. "Brady Cook, he's looked phenomenal so far this spring. He's done great, and then, the receiving corps and the offensive line that's came back. It's a challenge for us, so it's making us better."
You can watch the full press conference with Mizzou defensive back Daylan Carnell in the video player below.
On the offensive side of the ball, the Tigers are also adjusting to some changes, especially on the offensive line. While Mizzou returns three starters from last season, Connor Tollison, Armand Membou, and Cam'Ron Johnson, the left side of the offensive line is shaping up to look different, following the departure of both Javon Foster and Xavier Delgado. Oklahoma transfer Cayden Green is expected to be a key addition to that side of the offensive line, and Tollison said on Saturday that the unit is adjusting well to the changes.
"It's been good with Cayden coming in and working hard. Cam is moving over from right guard, got some experience. He played left guard before he got here, and I think the two of them are meshing pretty good together," Tollison said.
You can watch the full press conference with Mizzou offensive lineman Connor Tollison in the video player below.
Meanwhile, one unit on Mizzou's offense that has not underwent many changes is the wide receiver room. The Tigers' top five wide receivers are all expected to play in the upcoming 2024 season. Not only do Tiger fans have high expectations for that unit, Mizzou's wide receivers also have set a high standard for themselves this season.
"We're trying to prove ourselves, too. We're trying to be the best receiver room in the country," Cooper said. "We're kind of more competing with ourselves and trying to better ourselves."
You can watch the full press conference with Mizzou wide receiver Mookie Cooper in the video player below.
Mizzou Football has two more weeks left of spring camp as the Tigers prepare for their annual Spring Game on Saturday, March 16 at 1 p.m.
