Five Freshmen with the Greatest Chance to Make an Impact for Missouri Tigers in 2016

4. Brendan Scales, TE

Mizzou is expected to move more towards a traditional SEC “ground-and-pound” offense this season—head coach Barry Odom even made a late run at trying to recruit a fullback after he was promoted—but the team had just three tight ends on its spring roster. Sean Culkin and Jason Reese figure to get most of the work in two-tight end sets, but there will likely be an opportunity for Brendan Scales, a freshman from St. Louis who de-committed from Alabama just prior to National Signing Day, to prove himself during his first year on campus.

The 6-foot-4, 235-pounder is considered a plus receiver, so that could make him a more desirable candidate to split out wide than Culkin, a 6-foot-6, 245-pounder who is more natural as a blocker and has struggled with inconsistency as a receiver in the past. It would be surprising if Scales got regular playing time as a freshman unless an injury occurred, but his high skill level and physical maturity may be enough to earn him playing time on special teams and in some offensive packages.

Next: 3. Trey Baldwin