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Football

#MIZCAMP17 Day Seven - Meet Mizzou's 'Nasty' Offensive Line, Crockett Looks to Take Next Step

Day Seven Photo Gallery

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Day Seven Photo Gallery 

COLUMBIA, Mo. - Mizzou Football took to the Kadlec Practice Fields again Tuesday morning in another full-pad practice. The highlight of practice came when RS freshman Albert Okwuegbunam made a one-handed catch that dazzled everyone at practice. Be sure to check out video in the 'Word on the Tweet' section below.

Crockett Ready for Next Step

Four new program records. An SEC-best 105.8 yards per game by a freshman. More than 1,000 yards on the ground in 11 games.

Mizzou freshman running back Damarea Crockett exploded on to the scene a season ago and provided a force in the backfield for the Tigers as he rushed his way into the history books in his first campaign in Columbia. Crockett returns to a loaded group of tailbacks the also features veteran senior Ish Witter and experienced junior Nate Strong.

In high school, Crockett was passed on by several programs across the country after suffering a pair of ankle injuries that largely derailed his junior season. Mizzou took a chance on the Little Rock, Ark., native, and the talented running back has not disappointed, establishing himself as one of the nation's premier rushers as the Fall Camp unfolds.

Despite high praise after an outstanding first season at Mizzou, Crockett remains grounded and determined to improve.

"First, credit for last season goes to the offensive line," Crockett said. "They are hard-nosed and they fight to the whistle every play. Coach (Cornell) Ford and the rest of the staff deserves the rest of the credit. They kept my head into it mentally and showed me all the little things it takes to take my game to the next level. I'm as humble as ever and if our group of running backs comes together mentally and stays on the same page, we'll be scary and tough to stop."

Crockett says he is focused on being a balanced back in 2017, getting the yards needed, using his ability to break plays open and emphasizing pass blocking. He recognizes Coach Ford's mentality spilling over into the running back unit on gameday.

"Cornell always tell us to never stop working and to fight for every inch," Crockett said. "We're hard-nosed guys and we will give everything we have every single day."

Using that mindset every play in practice at Fall Camp, Crockett, Witter and company hope to take even greater strides this season and lead a lethal, balanced offensive attack in 2017.

Position Preview: Offensive Line

As Mizzou moves into week two of camp, MUTigers.com takes a look at the maturation of the offensive line group in Tuesday's position report. A group that returned just one player who had seen reps across the line a season ago became one of the most dominant offensive line groups in the SEC last season, thanks in large part to taking on the persona of Offensive Line Coach Glen Elarbee. With a desire to play through the whistle, the group uses words such as 'mean' and 'nasty' to personify their style. Watch the position preview below. 

Stay tuned to #MIZCamp17 by following Mizzou Football on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @MizzouFootball. Tickets are available for the season by calling 1-800-CAT-PAWS (884-PAWS locally), or visiting MUTigers.com/FBTix. 

Word on the Tweet