During his weekly press conference, Mizzou Football head coach Barry Odom expressed that senior WR Emanuel Hall has taken huge strides since he burst onto the scene for the Tigers last season.

"I wouldn't say there was one moment that I knew Emanuel could do that," Odom said. "I know he's a very talented guy and has worked extremely hard, specifically from about midseason last year. He's put in a lot work and he's obviously very talented."

Odom also explained that Hall has really bought into the program and what the coaches are teaching him.

"He's got tremendous linear speed, but also Coach AJ (Ofodile) has done a nice job on incorporating ideas and philosophies on finishing catches, running routes, and changing directions," Odom explained. "He's grown in that and understands the different schemes in how we're playing and the different calls for him what we need out of the route."

Odom continued, "It's not always we're just trying to run by the guy. He's been a really good learner with all those things. He's got an opportunity to make big plays, but he's focused on doing it one play at a time."
 

Odom emphasized that he was proud of Hall's "growth and maturity" at this point in his football career. He believes Hall understands the "opportunity that is in front of him" and "he'll continue to grow."

Hall was not the only subject of praise during the weekly press conference as sophomore DB Adam Sparks and the Tiger secondary were also catching Odom's attention.

"You can see Adam's experience is kind of kicking in a little bit and he's got confidence in being able to play not only a spot play, but every snap," Odom said. "He's done a great job of understanding what we need out of him because he does have a very high level skill set. Moving him around has given us flexibility and that has helped us defensively."

The Tiger secondary has seen a number of players see the field to start the season. Odom said, "There are a lot of guys that are playing for us on the back end and we've got to continue that and grow it. The number of guys that have played up to this point are going to continue and I think that makes us better, a better defense, a better team. There's real competition going on."

Odom continued, "It's growing, their level of confidence, and it's a better group than we've had since I've been in this chair. Their practice habits, the way they communicate, the way they work together, their willingness to be coached, and the opportunity for them to compete, they enjoy it.  We've got to keep pushing because it could be a good group if we keep on taking the steps we need to."

Odom also spoke about the team's understanding to not underestimate Purdue going into Saturday's game despite Purdue starting 0-2.

"I don't think we've had to spend much time on that because they know the skill that they have. They also look at both of those games and it could have been on the last possession both weeks, and they could be 2-0 really easily. They're a talented group, they've got great coaches, and they'll be ready and amped up to go and we'll get their best shot."