Missouri's defense was a powerhouse last season, ranking among the top 20 nationally in several key categories. At the heart of this success were senior defensive tackles Chris McClellan and Sterling Webb, unsung heroes who consistently anchored the Tigers' defense. Now, as they move on, Missouri faces the challenge of filling their shoes without relying heavily on the transfer portal.
Instead, the Tigers are looking inward, focusing on developing talent already on their roster. It's a bold move, but will it pay off?
The offseason is in full swing, and Missouri's transfer activity has seen 28 players arrive and 26 depart. The next big step is getting these newcomers onto the practice field.
As spring practices typically kick off in late February, the team is gearing up for another exciting season. Let's dive into how Missouri's defensive tackle lineup is shaping up before spring camp begins.
Missouri's Defensive Tackle Depth Chart
Starters:
- Nose: Marquis Gracial, r-sr.
- DT: Jalen Marshall, r-sr.
Primary Rotation:
- Nose: Elias Williams, r-so.
- DT: *Donta Simpson Jr., so. (transfer from Miami)
Reserves:
- Sam Williams, r-jr.
- Jason Dowell, r-fr.
- Tajh Overton, fr.
- Jocques Felix, fr.
The Tigers are placing significant trust in their returning players. Simpson is the lone transfer addition, suggesting the team is confident in its current roster. Gracial and Marshall, who were key contributors last season, are expected to lead the charge.
The Upside
There's something refreshing about Missouri's approach, leaning on homegrown talent rather than the transfer portal. Gracial and Marshall have been with the program for four years, patiently waiting for their moment. Their familiarity with the team's scheme is invaluable, especially with the high turnover rate seen in college football today.
Among the projected starters, only a handful have been with the team since Corey Batoon took over in 2024. Gracial and Marshall's experience and dedication are significant positives as the team looks to maintain its defensive prowess.
A Lingering Question
One might wonder why Missouri didn't pursue a more experienced transfer to bolster the defensive tackle position. While Gracial and Marshall have been part of the rotation, they haven't matched the snap count of McClellan and Webb, who accounted for over 60% of the snaps last season. Simpson is a promising addition, but his limited experience at Miami means there's a gap to fill.
The Tigers' strategy hinges on strong player development, but it's a situation worth watching as the season approaches.
Spring Camp Watchlist
As spring camp unfolds, the spotlight will be on who steps up to complete the defensive tackle rotation. Missouri typically runs a four-player rotation, sometimes five if depth allows. With only one transfer addition and two key departures, someone new must emerge.
Gracial, Marshall, and Simpson are expected to play significant roles. The question is, who will join them? Elias Williams, Sam Williams, and Jason Dowell are in the mix, while true freshman Tajh Overton could make an impact if he's ready.
Missouri is banking on development, and at least one player must transition from reserve to rotational mainstay. It's a pivotal moment for the Tigers as they aim to maintain their defensive edge.