Latest news with #Drinkwitz
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Reacts: Concern brewing over the 2026 recruiting class?
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NCAA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Missouri Tigers fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys. One week ago today, Nathan Hurst published a column on this site asking if we should be worried about the 2026 high school recruiting class because, frankly, there weren't a lot of guys in it. His ultimate conclusion? Things may be different, but we shouldn't worry yet: Coupled with potentially a new strategy for investing NIL in high school players, it may be a much slower-paced recruiting cycle than Mizzou fans are used to. Let's just hope slow and steady really does win the race. Advertisement It should be noted, though, that things have already taken a downward turn. In the days following Nathan's column, both Anthony Kennedy, Jr., and D'Montae Tims decommitted from the Tigers, leaving Gavin Sidwar as the lone member of the 2026 class. I know Drinkwitz likes a slow spring... but this is a bit much, right? So for this week's Reacts post, we're asking you: Are you worried about the lack of recruits in the 2026 cycle? Will Drinkwitz turn things around, or is there trouble a-foot on the recruiting trail? We also want to know: What aspect of Drinkwitz's coaching ability do you feel most confident in at this point in his tenure? More from
USA Today
30-03-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Did Armand Membou's college coach send a message to the Bears?
Did Armand Membou's college coach send a message to the Bears? Missouri offensive tackle Armand Membou is projected to be a top pick in the 2025 NFL draft, and he's been linked to the Chicago Bears in multiple mock drafts. The Bears, who hold the 10th overall pick, could be considering Membou to further strengthen an offensive line that's saw a complete overhaul of the interior positions. Membou would immediately challenge three-year starter Braxton Jones at left tackle. Playing three seasons for the Missouri Tigers, Membou established himself as one of the best tackles in college football, and then showed his freakish athleticism during the NFL Scouting Combine last month. In 2,100 career snaps, Membou only gave up three sacks in his collegiate career which drew the praise of his coach Eli Drinkwitz. During a recent appearance on "Up & Adams Show" with Kay Adams, Drinkwitz discussed just how special Membou is and what he brings to the table. "I was trying to get him to come back [to Missouri] cause I thought he could be the first overall pick next season," Drinkwitz said. "He believed in himself and said he's going to go prove that he can play tackle in the NFL. We all knew he was going to test unbelievable at the combine. When you watch the tape, he's got rare athleticism and raw strength, he can play both guard and tackle, I believe he'll play early. "If you're a team that has a franchise quarterback, the best friend of a franchise quarterback is a solid left tackle or right tackle that you know can block anybody in the NFL. Armand has given up only three sacks in 2100 snaps. If you're in the Top 10 and you have a franchise quarterback, I think you'd be absolutely crazy, if you're quarterback has been getting hit a ton, to not take Membou." At just 20-years old, Membou will be one of the youngest players taken early, and it did sound like a message to the Bears and other franchises who need offensive line help. After the Bears gave up a league-high 68 sacks on Caleb Williams in 2024, Drinkwitz believes his star lineman will be an immediate game changer at the next level.
