Mizzou Football Spring Preview: Barry Odom
2/28/2019 11:06:00 AM | Football
COLUMBIA, Mo. --- Mizzou Football will kick off its spring practice this Sunday (March 3) ahead of the annual Black & Gold Spring Game on April 13.
The theme for this year's spring practice period is: Everything Matters. That mantra was coined by head coach Barry Odom as he looks for his team to improve upon a season ago when Odom felt that at least three of the games were decided on the final series.
"Everyday our habits have to be right, and to a championship level. Our guys are purposefully driven," Odom said. "They want this to be a special year".
The message of wanting to play at a championship level has been adopted by the players. Leadership has been a clear theme of spring practice for the Tigers, with several veteran players taking bigger leadership roles on each side of the ball.
"One of the best things right now", Odom said. "Our program has become a players-run group."
It's not just the veteran faces who are taking on expanded leadership roles. Transfer quarterback Kelly Bryant, who is listed atop the initial spring depth chart, has helped make his presence felt during the workout period as well.
"Kelly brings a different dynamic of leadership," said Coach Odom. "Our team has welcomed him and he's done a great job in that role".
While it is still only February, the focus is on the fall. Odom knows that how the team performs during the spring will lay the foundation for a successful summer conditioning period and parlay into a competitive fall training camp.
"Our habits today will show up in August, and they're going to show up in September," Odom said.
The Mizzou spring game will take place at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, April 13. Kick-off is slated for 3 p.m. CDT.
