| Chris Earnhardt |
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2009 OUTLOOK
Still-developing defensive line prospect who has an opportunity in front of him to earn some significant playing time, as the Tiger line is looking to replace three starters from a year ago ... Has the kind of size and athleticism that should translate well to the Big 12 Conference, as he continues to mature ... Begins fall camp listed No. 2 on the depth chart at the tackle position vacated by Ziggy Hood, who was a 1st-round draft pick by the NFL's Pittsburgh Steelers ... Moved inside during the spring after playing end his first two years at Mizzou ... Changed his jersey number to 38 prior to spring ball, after donning 95 his first two years in the program.
2008 SEASON
Played in 7 games in his first year of on-field action, and showed the ability to provide solid production ... Registered 17 tackles in his reserve duty, including 1 tackle for loss (4 yards), while adding a pair of quarterback hurries ... Made a career-best 5 tackles against Nevada, and had 3 tackles each in outings against Colorado, Oklahoma State and Southeast Missouri State ... Had a solid spring that saw him shoot up the depth chart ... Concluded spring drills by notching four tackles in the annual Black & Gold Spring Game.
2007 SEASON
Was able to redshirt while getting practice experience on the defensive scout team, while getting bigger and stronger in the Tiger strength and conditioning program.
HIGH SCHOOL
Rated as the No. 12 player in the state of Missouri by Rivals, as well as the No. 41 strongside defensive end in the country by the same outlet ... Ranked by Super Prep as the state's No. 16 overall prospect, as the nation's No. 96 defensive end prospect, and as the No. 57 overall prospect (any position) in the Midlands region ... Was a 1st-Team All-State selection by Missouri sports writers, as well as a 2nd-Team All-State pick by coaches ... Won area defensive player of the year honors after an impressive senior season, amassing 108 tackles and 11 QB sacks in 2006, also adding 3 fumble recoveries and 2 forced fumbles ... Also eclipsed the 100-tackle mark in his junior season, with 110 stops on the year, and won 3rd-Team All-State honors by coaches for his efforts ... Had 8 QB sacks as a junior and added 3 forced fumbles to go with 2 fumble recoveries ... Had 76 stops as a sophomore, along with 6 QB sacks and 2 fumble recoveries ... High school coach - Gary Turner.
PERSONAL
Son of Melissa Earnhardt ... Chose Mizzou over Oklahoma, Nebraska, Colorado, Kansas State, Kansas and Illinois, among others ... Has an interest in studying food science and nutrition at Mizzou ... Primary Mizzou recruiter - Dave Christensen.
