Clyde Lear (L) at the Mo. Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony held in Springfield on Jan. 29.

I’m going to introduce you to Clyde Lear. Clyde is the retired Chairman and CEO of Learfield Communications, the parent company of Missourinet. Everyone who has worked for Clyde has been touched by him in a positive way. On January 29, Clyde was inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame for his vision and leadership that helped turn Learfield Sports into the preeminent leader in college sports marketing.

Clyde started Learfield Communications as an outgrowth of his master’s project while he studied at the University of Missouri’s School of Journalism. It was there he laid out a model for creating a statewide network…a model that has worked for news, agriculture and sports. If you have listened to a Missouri Tiger broadcast or attended a Tigers sporting event, you have been exposed to Clyde’s vision.

AUDIO Pressbox Podcast with Clyde (12:00)

As you listen, you’ll be drawn in by his charismatic personality and the way he tells a story. You will also understand that a person can be humble and yet have a great sense of confidence at the same time, which Clyde makes sound so easy, yet is difficult for many to pull off.

Congratulations Clyde on your induction into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame, an honor you certainly deserve.

Pinkel joins me on this exclusive one on one interview to talk about the state of his program with the addition of DGB and the recruiting class of 2012. 

Pinkel is also aware that his program will be under the microscope when the Tigers take the field in SEC play, but says the situation is much better than when he first took over the Mizzou program.  A move that he said he questioned after coming to Missouri.

AUDIO Pressbox Podcast with Gary Pinkel (5:30)

Timeline of events:

7:01 am Evan Boehm OL 6-3 290 Lee’s Summit, Mo. (Lee’s Summit West)

7:03 am Morgan Steward TB 5-11 182 Kansas City, Mo. (Staley)

7:11 am Donavin Newsom LB 6-2 220 St. Louis, Mo. (Parkway North)

7:26 am Evan Winston DL 6-3 270 Muskegon Heights, Mich. (Muskegon Hts.)

7:27 am Sean Culkin TE 6-5 226 Largo, Fla. (Indian Rocks Christian School)

7:51 am Maty Mauk QB 6-2 200 Kenton, Ohio (Kenton)

7:56 am Ka’Ra Stewart DB 5-10 190 O’Fallon, Ill. (O’Fallon)

8:05 am Harold Brantley DL 6-2 280 Hershey, Pa. (Hershey)

8:15 am Levi Copelin ATH 6-2 180 Broken Arrow, Okla. (Broken Arrow)

8:17 am Rickey Hatley DL 6-4 245 Atlanta, Texas (Atlanta)

8:28 am Torey Boozer LB 6-3 210 Everman, Texas (Everman)

9:02 am Michael Scherer LB 6-2 230 St. Louis, Mo. (Mary Inst Country Day)

9:11 am Russell Hansbrough TB 5-9 180 Arlington, Texas (Bowie)

9:15 am Jordan Williams OL 6-4 270 Denton, Texas (Ryan)

9:21 am Chaston Cuffee DB 6-1 185 Cleburne, Texas (Cleburne)

9:39 am John Gibson DB 5-10 175 Missouri City, Texas (Fort Bend Marshall)

9:45 am Markus Golden LB 6-3 240 St. Louis, Mo. (Hutchinson CC)

10:05 am Dorial Green-Beckham WR 6-6 220 Springfield, Mo. (Hillcrest)

Enrolled Darius White WR 6-3 200 Fort Worth, Texas (Univ. of Texas)

EVAN BOEHM
Fr., OL, 6-3, 290, Lee’s Summit, Mo. (West HS)

(Last name is pronounced BAY-m) … One of the top offensive line prospects in the nation who has a great mix of strength and agility … ESPN rates him as the #2 guard in the country, as well as the No. 42 overall prospect among all players and as the No. 2 prospect in the state of Missouri … ESPN also rated him as a 1^st-Team All-American … Rivals ranks him as the No. 4 overall prospect at any position in the state of Missouri for 2012 … Won the Simone Award as a senior, which goes annually to the top prep player in the Kansas City metro area … Became the first lineman to ever win the prestigious award … Also took home the Buck Buchanan Award for Outstanding Lineman in the Kansas City area as a junior … Has been a 1^st-Team All-State and All-Conference selection for the past three seasons … Helped lead his team to the 2010 Missouri State Class 5 championship … Also an accomplished all-around athlete who has won state championships in both wrestling (Heavyweight division) and track and field (discus) … Is believed to be the first athlete in Missouri history to win state titles in football, wrestling and track in the same school year … Parents – Royce & Teresa Boehm … Father was his high school coach … Lists hobbies as all sports … Plans to major in business at Mizzou … Chose Mizzou over virtually every major program in the nation, as he had offers from Arkansas, Auburn, Iowa, Kansas State, Michigan, Michigan State, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Stanford and Wisconsin, among many others … Said he chose Mizzou because of the family feel to the program with the coaches and team, and that visits to Columbia felt like home.

TOREY BOOZER
Fr., LB, 6-3, 210, Everman, Texas (Everman HS)

Fluid athlete who projects to be a linebacker at the collegiate level … Plays well in space and has displayed great open field tackling skills consistently … ESPN lists him as the nation’s No. 42 prospect at outside linebacker, and as the No. 70 overall player at any position in the state of Texas for 2012 … Ranked by Rivals as the No. 46 prospect nationally at safety … Was a two-time All-District First-Team selection, and as a senior also added First-Team DFW-All Area, in addition to serving as a team captain … Notched 146 tackles as a senior, including 6 sacks, while grabbing a pair of interceptions … That followed a productive junior season which included 120 tackles, 4 sacks and 1 interception … Three-sport standout for Everman High School, lettering for four years in basketball and three years in track & field in addition to his football achievements … Earned 2^nd-Team All-District honors in basketball as a junior … High school coach – Dale Keeling … Mother – Tangereki Hicks … Enjoys swimming, movies and video games in his off time … Plans to major in Business Management in MU’s esteemed business school … Chose Mizzou over Baylor, Arizona and Houston, among others … Listed the family atmosphere at Mizzou as one of the major reasons for picking MU, and has said that he’s been a Mizzou Football fan ever since going to a Tiger game when he was only six years old.

HAROLD BRANTLEY
Fr., DL, 6-2, 280, Hershey, Pa. (Hershey HS)

Late addition to the class who is a high-motor talent with a powerful burst off the ball and who is known as a solid tackler … Rated by ESPN as the No. 68 overall prospect at any position out of the state of Pennsylvania in 2012 … Had 48 tackles and a pair of sacks as a senior in 2011 and also rushed for 835 yards and 19 touchdowns from the fullback position … Earned 1^st-Team All-Conference honors as a senior, and was named to the Patriot News All-Star Team … Was his team’s Offensive and Defensive MVP as a senior, while also winning team Defensive MVP honors as a junior … Has served as a team captain in both basketball and football each of his last two seasons … A solid all-around athlete who plays basketball for his school’s basketball team, which has been in the state rankings this season … High school coach – Mark Painter … Has also excelled in track and field, where he’s won multiple competitions throwing the shot put and the discus … Parents – Brian & Shantih Dean … Chose Mizzou over Syracuse, West Virginia, Pittsburgh, Penn State and Rutgers, among others.

LEVI COPELIN
Fr., ATH, 6-2, 180, Broken Arrow, Okla. (Broken Arrow HS)

Two-way star who was a 1^st-Team All-State defensive back and wide receiver as well as a special teams ace for the top team in Oklahoma’s top division of Class 6A football … Was named the Oklahoma 6A-3 Offensive Player of the Year while helping his team to a state championship runner-up finish … Caught a touchdown in the 4^th-quarter of the championship game which put his team in the lead, before they eventually dropped the game … Led the state of Oklahoma with 8 interceptions as a senior (returning 3 for touchdowns), and he also blocked 4 kicks on special teams, while also returning two kickoffs and two punts for scores Caught 31 passes as a wideout for 647 yards and 7 touchdowns … Rivals rates him as the No. 8 overall prospect at any position out of the state of Oklahoma in 2012, and also as the nation’s No. 52 prospect at safety … Also starred for Broken Arrow in track, where he took 2^nd-place in the state in the 110-meter hurdles, and was also a district champion … High school coach – Steve Spavital … Parents – Rod & Lisa Copelin … Lists weight lifting, Xbox Live and sleeping as his primary hobbies outside of football … Plans to major in either Kinesiology or Sports Psychology at Mizzou … Chose Mizzou over Houston and Iowa State, among others … Lists the family atmosphere around the Tiger program, as well as Mizzou’s move to the Southeastern Conference as major attractions to MU.

CHASTON CUFFEE
Fr., DB, 6-1, 185, Cleburne, Texas (Cleburne HS)

(First name is pronounced CHASS-tun / Last name is pronounced CUFF-ee) … High-level athlete who will bring his considerable skills to the secondary at Mizzou … Rivals ranks him as the No. 54 safety prospect in all of the nation, while ESPN rates him as the nation’s No. 91 prospect at the athlete position … Was a dual-threat quarterback at Cleburne where he made plays with his arm and feet … Served as his team’s captain as a senior, and earned the team’s MVP award both as a junior and a senior … Also lettered in basketball and track, in addition to playing baseball as a freshman, when he led the team with the highest batting average … High school coach – Phil Young … Parents – Rodney & Eva Johnson … Lists hobbies outside of football as watching movies and hanging out with friends … Chose Mizzou over Oklahoma State, Texas Tech and North Texas, among others … Was attracted to Mizzou because of the trust he developed with the Tiger coaching staff.

SEAN CULKIN
Fr., TE, 6-5, 225, Indian Rocks Beach, Fla. (Indian Rocks Christian HS)

Athletic pass-catcher who should fit nicely in Mizzou’s spread offensive attack … Is known for good hands and being an excellent target in the red zone … Rivals ranks him as the nation’s No. 24 tight end prospect, as well as the No. 62 overall prospect at any position out of the state of Florida for 2012 … Caught 55 passes for 981 yards and 18 touchdowns as a senior in a breakout season that saw him earn 1^st-Team All-State honors as well as team MVP honors … Was also named a U.S. Air Force 1^st-Team All-American after his productive senior season … Earned All-County recognition as a junior, when he caught 28 passes for 547 yards and 8 touchdowns … Also had 29 receptions as a sophomore for 522 yards and 6 scores … Outstanding all-around athlete who starred in basketball and track in addition to his football exploits … Was his basketball team’s MVP each of the last two seasons, and has scored over 1,000 career points, while he holds his school’s record in the long jump, 400-meter dash and in the 4×400-meter relay … High school coach – Mark Buchanan … Parents – Chuck & Sherry Culkin … Lists hobbies outside of football as boating, fishing, playing guitar, playing piano and basketball … Has played several years of AAU basketball, and played on Amare Stoudemire’s team which which placed 2^nd in nationals one summer … Has been active in youth groups and has taken mission trips to Alabama, Nicaragua and El Salvador … Chose Mizzou over Miami, Fla., Central Florida, Kansas, Iowa State, South Florida, Rutgers, Ohio and Cincinnati, among others … Mentioned the family-like atmosphere around the football program as a major selling point, as well as the program’s sustained success.

JOHN GIBSON
Fr., DB, 5-10, 175, Missouri City, Texas (Marshall HS)

A well-rounded, aggressive defender who excelled at cornerback at the prep level … Rated by ESPN in the Athlete class, where they put him as the No. 105-rated prospect in the nation … Was a 1^st-Team All-District selection as a senior, as well as being named his team’s Co-MVP, and the team’s Offensive MVP … Grabbed a pair of interceptions on defense for Marshall in 2011 and also caught 28 passes for 420 yards and 9 touchdowns, while he also threw for one score and ran a punt and a kickoff back for touchdowns … Made 20 tackles as a junior and broke up 7 passes … Numbers were limited during his junior year, as he missed five games after transferring from Sharpstown High School, where he made 90 tackles, 9 interceptions and 7 pass deflections over two seasons … A speedster who also excels in track, was part of 4×100-meter relay teams which placed 1^st (2011) and 2^nd (2009) in Junior Olympic competitions, and he also placed 5^th individually in the 400-meter run in the 2009 Junior Olympics … High school coach – James Williams … Parents – Kendrick Williams & Don Pickens … Lists hobbies as playing basketball and hanging out with family and friends … Plans to study business at Mizzou… Chose Mizzou over Arkansas, Vanderbilt, Minnesota, San Diego State and Indiana, among others … Cited the personal touch of Mizzou’s coaches, as well as the football program’s impressive graduation rate as major reasons for coming to MU.

MARKUS GOLDEN
So., LB, 6-3, 230, St. Louis, Mo. (Affton HS/Hutchinson CC)

Talented defender who is excited to work his way to Mizzou, after originally committing to play at MU as part of the class of 2010 … Has spent the last two years at Hutchinson, where he redshirted last season after posting an impressive freshman campaign … Will have three years to play three at Mizzou … As a freshman at Hutchinson, made 90 tackles, including 26 tackles for loss and 10 sacks, to go with 5 forced fumbles and a pair of interceptions … Was a record-setting running back and linebacker at Affton High School before that … As a senior, ran for a record 2,264 yards and 30 touchdowns while also making 108 tackles and 10 sacks … His junior season saw him record a school-record 168 tackles and 16 sacks, while he also ran for 1,139 yards and 16 scores … Was his team’s captain each of his last two years at Affton … A skilled hoopster as well, who was named his basketball team’s MVP in 2010 … Junior college coach – Rion Rhoades … High school coach – Dan Oliver … Parents – Markus Eberhart & Rhonda Golden … Enjoys working out, playing NCAA Football on PS3 and hanging out with family and friends … Committed to Mizzou early in his high school career and never really considered other schools, and stayed true to that commitment over the last two years in junior college … Says that he came to Mizzou because he’s been waiting to play here his whole life.

DORIAL GREEN-BECKHAM
Fr., WR, 6-6, 220, Springfield, Mo. (Hillcrest HS)

The No. 1 overall recruit in the nation (Rivals) who will bring his well-documented talents to his home state program … Ranked by Rivals as the No. 1 overall prospect in the nation at any position, as well as the nation’s top wide receiver … Revealed his selection live on ESPNU on National Signing Day in a nationally-televised ceremony … ESPN ranks him as the No. 3 overall prospect in the country at any position, as well as the No. 1 receiver in the nation and the No. 1 player in the state of Missouri … Named the national player of the year in 2011 by Sports Illustrated, Parade Magazine, and USA Today … Is also a two-time 1^st-Team USA Today All-American selection … Amassed a national prep record of 6,353 receiving yards and 75 receiving touchdowns … Closed his prep career with eye-popping numbers which included 119 receptions for 2,233 yards and 24 touchdowns as a senior … Named to every national All-American team, including the prestigious Parade All-American squad … Made 78 catches as a junior for 1,703 yards and 15 scores … His sophomore stats included 66 catches for 1,616 yards and 23 touchdowns, after he posted 37 catches for 801 yards and 13 touchdowns as a freshman … Parents – John & Tracy Beckham … Was coached at Hillcrest by his father John … Chose Mizzou over virtually every major college football power, just a few of which included Alabama, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Texas, among a slew of others.

RUSSELL HANSBROUGH
Fr., TB, 5-9, 180, Arlington, Texas (Bowie HS)

A smooth, explosive runner who has good vision and is tough to corral due to his quickness and elusive nature … Was a 1^st-Team 4-5A All-District selection in 2011 while serving as a team captain … Ran for over 3,000 yards in a stellar prep career, including 1,238 yards and 18 touchdowns as a senior, averaging 9.5 yards per carry … Gained 950 yards and had 4 touchdowns as a junior, after netting 909 yards and 13 touchdowns as a sophomore in 2009 … Also earned 1^st-Team All-District status as a junior … Was named the district 4-5A Newcomer of the Year during his sophomore season … High school coach – Kenny Perry … Parents – Doug & Janice Hansbrough … Lists hobbies outside of football as watching ESPN, watching movies and playing video games … Plans to major in business management at Mizzou … Chose Mizzou over Auburn, Arizona State, Kansas State, Baylor, Texas Tech, BYU, Iowa State, Minnesota, Kansas and Houston, among others … Listed his comfort level with the coaching staff as a big draw to Mizzou, as well as the curriculum having everything he’s looking for.

RICKEY HATLEY
Fr., DL, 6-4, 245, Atlanta, Texas (Atlanta HS)

Defensive line prospect who has the size and frame to fit nicely with the Tiger program … Won 1^st-Team All-District and 1^st-Team All-Area honors as a senior for Atlanta High School, as well as taking home 2^nd-Team All-State honors according to the Associated Press … The Texas Sports Writers Association rated him as a 1^st-Team All-State pick, as well … Three-sport standout who was also a three-year letterman in basketball and track, winning a district championship in the shot put and discus … High school coach – Matt McClure … Parents – Rickey & Latisha Hatley … Lists hobbies as fishing and riding horses … Plans to major in physical therapy at Mizzou … Mizzou’s campus and the support services for the football student-athletes stood out to him during the recruiting process, as well as the family feel to the program.

MATY MAUK
Fr., QB, 6-2, 200, Kenton, Ohio (Kenton HS)

(First name is pronounced MAT-ee / Last name is pronounced MOCK) … A Parade All-American and two-time Gatorade Ohio Player of the Year who comes to Mizzou after a record-setting prep career which saw him break national records for passing yards (18,932), touchdown passes (219), pass completions (1,353) and total offense (22,681) … ESPN ranks him as the nation’s No. 16 quarterback prospect, as well as the No. 8 overall prospect at any position coming out of the state of Ohio for 2012 … Was also named an All-American in 2011 by Sports Illustrated, in addition to winning the title of Mr. Football in the state of Ohio in the same year … Is a fearless competitor who has great arm strength and the ability to make plays outside of the pocket, thanks to his athleticism and quickness … Led his team to a 42-8 record over four seasons, and Kenton finished as runners up for the D4 state championship in 2011, falling by a 48-42 score in the title game, despite Mauk’s 421 yards passing and six total touchdowns … An outstanding all-around athlete who was an All-District performer in basketball and was a state track qualifier in the long jump, 200-meters and 4×100-meter and 4×200-meter relays … Accounted for 278 total touchdowns in his four years as a starter for Kenton … Senior season stats include: 382-of-566 passing for 5,413 yards and 68 touchdowns, to go with 1,768 rushing yards and 24 touchdowns … As a junior, produced 5,670 passing yards and 69 touchdowns, to go with 974 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns … As a sophomore, threw for 4,550 yards and 46 touchdowns, while adding 660 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns … Freshman season stats include: 3,309 passing yards and 36 touchdowns, with 347 rushing yards and 8 touchdowns … Parents – Mike & Gwyn Mauk … Father was his high school coach … Older brother Ben was a standout quarterback at Cincinnati … Lists hobbies as hunting, fishing and video games … Plans to major in social studies at Mizzou … Chose Mizzou over Michigan, Notre Dame, Illinois, Vanderbilt and Cincinnati, among many others.

DONAVIN NEWSOM
Fr., LB, 6-2, 220, St. Louis, Mo. (Parkway North HS)

One of the top linebacking prospects in the country who is very active and who has the strength and speed to make plays all over the field … ESPN rates him as the No. 6 overall prospect at any position in the state of Missouri, while also touting him as the No. 12 inside linebacker prospect in the nation … Rivals lists him as the No. 7 overall prospect at any position in the state of Missouri for 2012 … Served as team captain during his senior season as a standout on both sides of the ball for Parkway North … Ran for 280 yards and 4 touchdowns as a senior, and on defense ran one interception back 102 yards for a touchdown to set a school record for longest interception return … Was his team’s MVP as a junior when he made 62 tackles and had 5 sacks and 2 interceptions on defense, while he rushed for 396 yards and 10 touchdowns, and added 153 yards receiving … Was selected to play in the Offense-Defense All-America Game in December at Cowboys Stadium … Also is a three-year letterman in basketball, winning All-Conference recognition as a junior … High school coach – Bob Bunton … Parents – Robert & Judy Newsom … Lists hobbies as drawing and playing basketball … Chose Mizzou over Nebraska, Wisconsin, Kansas State, Tennessee, Iowa, Wake Forest, Indiana, Minnesota, and Illinois, among others.

MICHAEL SCHERER
Fr., LB, 6-2, 230, St. Louis, Mo. (Country Day HS)

(Last name is pronounced SHEER) … A hard-nosed and athletic linebacker who plays with good instincts and is capable of having success stopping the run or dropping in coverage … Ranked by both ESPN and Rivals as the No. 8 overall talent in the state of Missouri for 2012 at any position … ESPN ranks him as the nation’s No. 20 prospect at inside linebacker, while Rivals slots him as the country’s No. 56-ranked outside linebacker … Won 1^st-Team All-State honors each of his last two seasons, and was named his conference’s Player of the Year in 2011 … Was an Under Armour All-American as a junior when he made 83 tackles and had 4 sacks and 1 interception … Also stood out as a powerful running back, running for 1,120 yards and 13 touchdowns as a junior … Three-sport standout for Country Day, as he also lettered in basketball and track for four years apiece … High school coach – Josh Smith … Parents – Joseph & Dori Scherer … Plans to major in business at Mizzou … Chose Mizzou over Stanford, Nebraska, Michigan State, Vanderbilt, Illinois and Iowa, among many others … Says that the team and coaches at Mizzou are like one big family, and that comfort level was a major reason for choosing MU.

MORGAN STEWARD
Fr., TB, 5-11, 185, Kansas City, Mo. (Staley HS)

Well-rounded back with great burst and vision who possesses an effective blend of both speed and power … Is a very versatile athlete who is a receiving threat out of the backfield as well … Comes to Mizzou as the career rushing leader at Staley (4,184 career yards, 46 rushing touchdowns), where he started all 52 games of his prep career … Led his team to a 13-0 record and a Missouri State Championship in Class 5 as a senior, rushing for 205 yards and 1 touchdown in the 35-21 win over Kirkwood in the 2011 Show-Me Bowl … Finished the year with 2,221 rushing yards and 27 touchdowns, while adding 24 receptions for 376 yards and 2 touchdowns … Was named the Class 5 Offensive Player of the Year in the state of Missouri, and was a unanimous 1^st-Team All-State selection … Was a 2^nd-Team All-State selection as a junior after running for 1,555 yards and 14 touchdowns … High school coach – Fred Bouchard … Parents – Robert & LeSa Steward … Lists hobbies as playing the piano, eating lots of good food, running, music, video games, reading the Bible, going to church and spending time with family and friends … Plans to major in business communication … Received interest from Nebraska, Texas A&M, Kansas State, Vanderbilt and Northern Illinois, among other … The family atmosphere between coaches and players was a major reason why he chose Mizzou.

KA’RA STEWART
Fr., DB, 5-10, 190, O’Fallon, Ill. (O’Fallon HS)

(First name is pronounced KAY-rah) … Explosive athlete who made an impact on both sides of the ball, as well as in the return game at the prep level … Ranked by ESPN as the No. 13 overall prospect at any position in the state of Illinois, and also as the nation’s No. 26 safety … Played only one year at O’Fallon after transferring from Fork Union (Va.) Military Academy, as his parents are in the Air Force  … Starred on both sides of the ball, as a defensive back and a running back … Won 1^st-Team All-Conference honors at outside linebacker as a senior when he recorded 35 tackles, 3 sacks, 4 fumble recoveries (one that he returned for a touchdown) and 2 interceptions … Also ran two kickoffs back for scores, while also rushing for 428 yards and 5 touchdowns as a senior (averaged a solid 10.44 yards per carry) … Was a 1^st-Team All-League selection and a 2^nd-Team All-State selection as a junior, with 62 tackles, 1 sack and 2 interceptions (both returned for touchdowns) … Has also excelled in track & field, where he has a career best triple jump of 43-feet, 11-inches … High school coach – Brandon Joggerst … Parents – Ka’Ra Stewart & Janice Davis … At Fork Union Military Academy, where he was for three years, he became an officer and was in charge of a hallway of 30 cadets … Lists cruising, video games and naptime as some hobbies outside of football … Plans to study pre-pharmacy at Mizzou … Chose Mizzou over Iowa, Illinois, Purdue, Indiana, Northwestern and Air Force, among others … Cites the family atmosphere in the football program and the campus lifestyle as major drawing points which attracted him to Mizzou.

DARIUS WHITE
Jr., WR, 6-3, 200, Fort Worth, Texas (Dunbar HS/Univ. of Texas)

Highly-touted receiver who transferred to Mizzou in the off-season, after spending his first two years at Texas … Will have to sit out the 2012 season, per NCAA transfer rules, and will have two years of eligibility remaining beginning in 2013 … Played in 21 games over two years at Texas … Caught 5 passes for 66 yards for the Longhorns in 11 games as a sophomore in 2011, after making 1 catch for 5 yards in 10 outings as a true freshman in 2010  … Saw the field against Mizzou in 2011 in the Tigers’ 17-5 win over Texas in Columbia, but did not record any statistics … Got his first collegiate score on a 31-yard touchdown reception in a 52-20 win over Texas Tech in Austin in 2011 … Was a Parade All-American and a 1^st-Team All-USA pick by USA Today who was ranked as the No. 3 wide receiver in the nation and the No. 20 overall prospect at any position in the country by ESPN … Made 93 catches for 2,293 yards and 35 touchdowns in his final three seasons at Dunbar … Played in the 2010 Under Armour All-America Game, catching an 11-yard touchdown pass and returning a punt 35 yards for a touchdown … Was also a three-year letterman in basketball, winning All-District honors as a senior, as well as being selected as the district MVP as a junior, in addition to being a three-year letterman in track and field … High school coach – Todd Lawson … Mother – Demetric White … Grandmother – Billie Dobbins.

JORDAN WILLIAMS
Fr., OL, 6-4, 270, Denton, Texas (Ryan HS)

Highly-regarded offensive line prospect who continues Mizzou’s pipeline at Ryan High School … Is known as a tough-minded run blocker who has the physical frame and flexibility to excel in pass protection as well … ESPN rates him as the No. 62 offensive tackle prospect in the nation, while also ranking him the No. 84 overall prospect at any position coming out of the state of Texas for the class of 2012 … Was an honorable mention All-State selection as a senior offensive lineman … Ryan went 12-0 in 2011 before getting knocked out in the Class 4A regional semifinals of the state playoffs … High school coach – Joey Florence … Mother – Hester Frank … Lists interests outside of football as playing basketball and hanging out with family and friends … Plans to study pre-pharmacy at Mizzou … Chose Mizzou over Stanford, UCLA, Arizona State, Arizona, Boise State, Colorado, Oregon State and Virginia, among others … Lists his relationship built with the coaching staff that sold him on attending Mizzou.

EVAN WINSTON
Fr., DL, 6-3, 270, Muskegon Heights, Mich. (Muskegon Heights HS)

A versatile talent who projects at multiple defensive line spots at the collegiate level … Plays with power and has shown a good knack for shedding blocks to be effective against both the run and pass … Rivals ranks him as the No. 18 overall prospect at any position in the state of Michigan for 2012 … ESPN has him as the nation’s No. 73 defensive tackle prospect … Named to the Detroit News Dream Team as a senior, and also took home 1^st-Team All-State and 1^st-Team All-Area honors in 2011 … Made 88 tackles as a senior, including 22 tackles for loss and 10 sacks while forcing 5 fumbles along the way … Had 93 tackles during his junior season, with 11 of them going for sacks … Three-sport letterwinner, who also excelled in basketball and track for his school … High school coach – Tony Blankenship … Parents – Steven & Kathy Winston … Enjoys working out, fishing and playing basketball in his spare time away from football … Plans to major in nursing at Mizzou … Chose Mizzou over Arkansas, Michigan State, Kansas State, Iowa, Illinois, Cincinnati, Louisville and Houston, among others … Lists the stability of Mizzou’s coaching staff, as well as the overall family atmosphere around the program as major factors that drew him to MU.

On this Pressbox Podcast, I spoke with Justin Hull. He’s the afternoon host at WSCO Radio in Appleton/Green Bay and I’ve been on his show several times during the baseball season to talk Cardinals/Brewers baseball. We talk about what the division will look like and if these nine and ten year deals that Pujols and Fielder signed are really bad deals for those teams.

Justin and I also think that in the long run the Cardinals and Brewers will be OK and suffer no long term fallout for not signing these marquee players.

AUDIO Pressbox Podcast with Justin Hull (18:00)

photo courtesy of Orlando Sentinel

Jeff Cardozo, a Gainesville talk show host and commentator on the Gator Radio Network, said the reaction of most Gator fans is that they were happy to have Missouri in their division instead of Texas A & M. Despite Missouri being one of only eight programs in the country with eight wins or more in the last six years, the perception is that A & M is the tougher school. On November 3, 2012, Mizzou could give Florida fans their first opportunity to chomp on their words.

We keep hearing about how the East Division is the easier division of the two in the new SEC, but Georgia edged out South Carolina who  had a great year going 10-2 without their top running back and starting quarterback. Vandy is showing some life, and perhaps it was a transition year for the Gators, but this side of the SEC will still be a great challenge. Cardozo breaks down Mizzou’s East Division rivals.

AUDIO Listen to the Pressbox Podcast with Jeff Cardozo (12:00)

Plus Cardozo shares some tips and things to look for when you make your first trip to Gainesville.

“Pujols is not gaining much ground in terms of net value of what he’ll get for that money if he moves his family to Los Angeles, buys a house, pays taxes,” said Wheeler on my latest Pressbox Podcast (14:00)

“My belief is, it’s more about the symbolism of $250 million dollars…Making $25 million dollars a year…it’s about that number,” said Wheeler, who is the pre and post game host for Cardinals baseball.

What’s the next step for the Cardinals? Wheeler believes the Cardinals need to get another bat in the lineup, perhaps some help for the outfield. Allen Craig had knee surgery and may not be ready in April. It looks like Lance Berkman will play first. Wheeler thinks a former Royals player would fill the role.

I joked on my Missourinet sports report this morning that Jon is a SEC homer. I agree with Jon that Missouri has a lot they need to do in terms of building resources and recruiting if they want to be a sustainable success in the SEC, and maybe I’m just protecting our home turf here a bit, but I think the Tigers can hold their own in the SEC and do it right away. 

I was also impressed with some things he had to say about Oklahoma State as I put him on the spot to make a case why the Cowboys could have been considered for the BCS title game.

Enjoy!  Pressbox Podcast with Jon Solomon (9:20)

At this point in the season with the top quarterback, running back, tight end and safety out with injuries, things don’t look good, but the players still feel they have a shot at making the playoffs in the topsy-turvy AFC West. As I talk with friends and fans in Missouri, I hear more of the “fire Todd Haley” talk. Looney says Haley still has the player’s respect, but if this season goes in the tank, GM Scott Pioli will have decisions to make.

You’ll also be surprised to hear what a Chiefs’ insider has to say about a division rival and their quarterback. Yeah, I’m talking about Tebow.

Enjoy the Pressbox Podcast with Josh Looney (13:00)

Don't expect to see Les Miles stalking the sidelines at The Zou next season.

LSU-Georgia gets set to meet in this weekend’s SEC Championship game. It’s hard to find any reason, even a Georgia blowout win, to keep LSU out of the BCS title game against Alabama. LSU is 12-0 for the first time in school history, which includes seven wins over teams ranked in the Top 25 this year. Let me put that into perspective for Mizzou fans. Coming into this season, Missouri has gone 7-10 against Top 25 teams since 2007, it took them 3.5 seasons to accomplish something that LSU has done in one season.

Jeff Palermo from the Louisiana Radio Network joins me on this Pressbox Podcast as we talk about the SEC Championship game and discuss Missouri’s chances of success next season. You might be surprised to hear Jeff’s take on just what he expects from our Tigers next year.

Listen to Jeff Palermo’s take on the SEC, LSU and Mizzou (15:00)

I was invited as a guest on KWTO Radio to talk Mizzou sports and how Pinkel can bounce back from his arrest.  Pinkel made a mistake, and he is ready to accept the consequences. He can teach his players that if you make a mistake, man up, take responsibility and then take the proper steps to make amends.

Bill Pollock discusses Pinkel and Mizzou athletics (14:00)

Men’s basketball coach Bill Self said KU basketball fans didn’t give a flip if they played the Tigers again. Football coach Turner Gill commented that he didn’t see a need to continue a rivalry with a team outside of the Big 12. Even Chancellor Bernadette Gray-Little made it clear they would not be continuing the rivalry, saying “We’re sorry to see a century-old conference rivalry end,” Gray-Little said. “Missouri’s decision may have implications for fans and for the Kansas City area, but it won’t affect the long-term strength of the Big 12.”

Mike DeArmond on MU-KU (11:00)

DeArmond talks about why it means more for KU to continue the rivalry then it is for MU. We also break down the Tigers. I’m with fans on this one that offensive coach David Yost should bear some blame for the team’s troubles, especially in the third quarter. Mike thinks some blame needs to be handed out to defensive coordinator Dave Steckel.