Mizzou tackling spring camp with returners, newcomers in trenches

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Mizzou Football is double-digit practices deep into spring camp.

The Tigers completed their 10th spring practice on Saturday afternoon at Faurot Field, marking another opportunity for the coaching staff to get a glimpse at the talent and development of this year's roster.

Although spring camp is focused on individual improvement, it also begins the process of identifying potential starters for the upcoming season. Entering the 2025 campaign, MU will have a new-look offensive line, following the departure of three starters for graduation or the NFL Draft. Mizzou's offensive line coach Brandon Jones has started the early stages of evaluating who could be the right fit for next season's starting five, looking for certain qualities that his starters must embody.

"For me, it's just being able to communicate amongst each other, and just kind of that trust factor, right? Just knowing that this guy next to me is going to do this. I know I'm going to expect this. I'm going to expect that," Jones said at Saturday's press conference. You only can kind of get those answers through kind of what we did today, and you know, as you continue to evolve and roll in different pieces. That kind of gives you an idea moving forward."

Defensively, MU did not acquire any reinforcements through the transfer portal at defensive tackle this offseason. Mizzou defensive line coach Al Davis said the team is confident in their returners to step into bigger roles next season, including in a leadership fashion. NFL Draft prospect Kristian Williams served as the unit's captain in 2024, but following his departure, Mizzou has already witnessed the room's next group of leaders emerge.

"The best thing about that is I didn't have to tell [Chris McClellan]. I think him and Sterling [Webb] both have took it upon themselves to be the new Kristian, right? Obviously Kristian was a very unique human being. He did a great job pouring energy into those guys, so now, they understand it's my time now. Now I'm the upper classman. It's my turn to lead the room," Davis said at the press conference.

You can watch the full press conferences with Coach Davis and Coach Jones in the slideshow above.

MU has just three practices left until it closes the book on spring camp. Earlier this month, the team announced there will not be a spring game this year, due to ongoing construction for the Memorial Stadium Improvements Project.