Someone who has Tiger coaches very excited about his potential as he moves to the inside of the defensive line, where he they feel he's found his best position ... Enters spring camp listed at No. 3 on the depth chart at the nosetackle spot, after lining up primarily at end a year ago ... (Last name is pronounced HOE-k).
2011 SEASON
Saw action in 11 games during his redshirt freshman season, playing most on special teams units ... Compiled two tackles on the season ... Had two total tackles against Western Illinois, including his first career sack against Western Illinois for a 10 yard loss ... Also notched a QB hurry against the Leathernecks ... Recovered a blocked punt against Texas ... Earned a spot on the Academic All-Big 12 first team with a perfect 4.0 GPA...
2010 SEASON
Took a redshirt in his first year in the Tiger program, and spent the year working with the offensive scout team as a tight end prospect ... Showed an oustanding work ethic from the start, and he was twice awarded with the team's offensive back-up player of the week award during the year, for his efforts during preparations for games against Illinois and Oklahoma ... Was an early enrollee at MU in January, in time to take part in spring camp.
HIGH SCHOOL
Standout two-way player at the prep level who excelled as a linebacker on defense and as a running back and tight end on offense ... Was rated as the No. 3 prospect in the state of Iowa by Rivals.com, and as the nation's No. 24 strongside defensive end prospect ... Ranked by ESPN.com as the nation's No. 87 defensive end prospect ... Won 1st-Team All-State honors each of his last two seasons, and helped lead his team to a state championship as a senior in 2009, winning MVP honors in the state title game as well ... Registered 137 tackles and 28 tackles for loss in 2009, and added 702 rushing yards and 9 touchdowns, while catching 22 passes for 282 yards as well on offense ... Led team in tackles as a junior as well, going for 98 stops and 20 tackles for loss with 8 quarterback sacks, while also seeing some action at tight end for a team which reached the state quarterfinals ... Had 92 tackles as a sophomore ... Also a standout wrestler for his school ... High school coach - Curt Bladt.
PERSONAL
Parents - Kyle & Lori Hoch ... Majoring in health professions, with an ultimate goal of studying for the dental profession ... Is the younger brother of starting offensive lineman Dan Hoch ... Lists hobbies as four-wheeling, fishing and paintball ... Chose Mizzou over Iowa, Oregon, Nebraska, Stanford, Kansas State and Iowa State, among others ... Cites the gameday atmosphere at Mizzou and the family feel of the program as major attractions for him.
