2018 OUTLOOK
(FIRST NAME PRONOUNCED: YAH-seer) … One of the SEC’s top returning offensive tackles who is primed for an even larger role across Mizzou’s offensive line during his junior season … Boasts incredible size and length along with great footwork, giving him an advantage against some of the nation’s elite edge rushers week in and week out in the SEC … The team excelled with him as the starting left tackle and he enters fall camp listed as the No. 1 option at that position on the team’s initial fall depth chart.
2017 SEASON
Among the most important newcomers for the Tigers in 2017, who came in as a junior college transfer, and quickly earned his way into the starting lineup at the crucial spot of left tackle ... Mizzou went 6-3 in his nine starts in all ... Took over as the starter there in game number four, and held that spot for the duration of the season, making nine starts in all ... Was part of MU’s record-setting offense which led the SEC (ranking eighth nationally) in total offense for the second-straight season ... The offensive line led the nation in fewest tackles for loss allowed for the second-straight season (2.85), and also led the SEC in fewest sacks allowed (1.0 per game - fifth nationally), while the Tiger offense also led the SEC in passing efficiency (fourth nationally), and scoring offense (14th in NCAA).
JUNIOR COLLEGE/HIGH SCHOOL/PERSONAL
Physical specimen who comes to Mizzou with hopes of contributing right away for Mizzou’s offensive line … Ranked by ESPN.com as the nation’s No. 3 junior college guard prospect … Excelled at tackle and guard at Arizona Western Community College, where he drew attention for his solid fundamentals and excellent footwork in the trenches … Needed just one semester at Arizona Western, and has enrolled for the winter semester at Mizzou, meaning he’s with the program and will take part in spring drills when camp begins in March … Will have four years to play three at Mizzou … Played in 12 games in 2016, showing an ability to punish the opposition in a straight-forward attack, but also was called on to pull frequently, where he proved to be athletic in open space blocking situations … Was a three-year letterwinner at Imhotep Institute in Philadelphia, helping the Panthers to three straight Public League titles, three city titles and two playoff appearances … Imhotep went a perfect 15-0 his senior season, becoming the first Philadelphia city public school to win a Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association football title … Imhotep outscored its opponents during its perfect year by a whopping 702-to-104 … Named a Pennsylvania Football Writers’ all-state Class AAA honoree and was a two-time all-conference and all-city selection … Was the No. 35-ranked prep player coming out of Pennsylvania by both Rivals.com and 247sports.com after the 2015 season … Junior college coach: Tom Minnick … High school coach: Al Crosby …. Cited the genuine nature of Mizzou’s coaches and players he met during his recruiting process as a major draw to become a Tiger … Also has some family members in St. Louis, and getting closer to his hometown of Philadelphia was an appeal, as well as the opportunity to potentially earn some immediate playing time as factors … Chose Mizzou over San Diego State, Arizona State, Illinois, North Carolina and Rutgers, among others.