Mizzou Tigers Flip Two Recruits From Little Rock
Mizzou Tigers flip a running back and defensive tackle.
What does Barry Odom have against Boise State? Days after flipping Boise State commit QB Micah Wilson, the Mizzou Tigers have landed another Bronco in the form of four-star RB Demarea Crockett, as well as three-star defensive tackle Markell Utsey. Crockett had little initial recruiting interest; before Mizzou came into the picture, Arizona State was the only competitor for Crockett’s talents. Crockett had been a Boise State commit since July. In his senior season, Crockett rushed for over 1,500 yards and 20 touchdowns, leading Little Rock Christian to the 5A semi-final game. Crockett tweeted out a message early Saturday evening.
I'm excited to say that I've committed to the university of Missouri!!! Glad to be a tiger 🐯 #THEZOU pic.twitter.com/U6Rro0tc8c
— Damarea Crockett (@DamareaCrockett) January 24, 2016
Crockett was the #9 running back in the nation and the #3 overall recruit in Arkansas, and he is the second four-star running back to join the Tigers for 2016. Natereace Strong, a Raymond, Mississippi product, will also be manning the backfield for Barry Odom next year. The 5’11”, 212 lb Crockett has 4.4 40-yard dash, and has a 34-inch vertical.
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The Mizzou Tigers also flipped Markell Utsey in a surprise commitment. The 6’4″, 290 pound defensive tackle had been committed to Arizona since July. He is the 17th commit to Mizzou, but he is the first defensive tackle. Utsey should figure to be a size-able piece of the defensive line in the coming years, and should benefit greatly from Mizzou’s knack for developing defensive linemen.
There is still something of a hole in Mizzou’s recruitment. The Tigers have yet to pick up a five-star recruit for 2016. However, the Tigers, at least during Gary Pinkel’s tenure, were known for the ability to take three- and four-star players and bring them up to the level of a five-star player. This way of thinking brought them two SEC East titles and took them very close to the national championship game on multiple occasions.