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2009 OUTLOOK Very talented young defensive end prospect who has Tiger coaches very excited about his potential for both now and the future ... Was very impressive during spring camp as he showed superb athleticism that should make him a factor on the defensive line for years to come ... Enters fall camp listed at No. 2 on the depth chart at one end position ... Closed down the spring by making 4 tackles in the annual spring scrimmage that was won by the Tiger defense ... With both starters from 2008 at defensive end gone to graduation, he'll have plenty of chances to earn playing time for the fall.
2008 SEASON Redshirted in his first year in the Tiger program, but constantly earned attention for his outstanding athleticism and play on the defensive line ... Was a frequent disruptive force in practice as part of the defensive scout team, playing against the top-line offenses throughout the year ... Won the team's defensive Back-Up Player of the Week award for his work in practice during preparations for the season-opening win over Illinois.
High School Was a 1st-Team All-State selection for Raytown as a senior defensive end in 2007, as he registered 60 tackles, 21 tackles for loss, and 12 QB sacks, while adding 7 forced fumbles, 1 blocked punt and 1 safety ... Won his team's defensive MVP honors while serving as a team captain during his senior season ... Also stood out on offense, as he caught 34 passes for 570 yards and 4 TDs as a tight end ... Was a Buck Buchanan Award finalist as a senior, as well ... Named 1st-Team All-Conference as a junior in 2006, when he made 49 tackles, including 12 tackles for loss, and added 18 catches for 285 yards and 3 TDs on offense ... Standout in the sport of basketball who won 1st-Team All-Conference honors on the hardcourt ... High school coach - Ken Clemons ... Personal Parents - Thurston Smith & Kimberly Smith ... Has an interest of studying in MU's College of Business, with a plan to major in the real estate program ... Lists video games, sports, swimming, traveling and listening to music as his primary hobbies ... Cited the family-like atmosphere presented to him by both Mizzou's coaching staff and the players as well as the nice athletics and campus facilities as a major reason for his attraction to the school ... Chose Mizzou over Nebraska, Kansas and Kansas State, among many others ... MU primary recruiting coach - Andy Hill. |
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