FILE - In this Nov. 23, 2013, file photo, Missouri quarterback Maty Mauk (7) throws downfield to a receiver during pregame drills before their NCAA college football game against Mississippi, in Oxford, Miss. Mauk is one of the SEC’s new starting quarterbacks. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis, File) (The Associated Press)
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Just like last season, Missouri begins fall workouts way under the radar.
The Tigers are coming off a 12-win season and SEC Eastern division title, but must replace numerous key players including NFL draft picks Kony Ealy, Justin Britt, Henry Josey, E.J. Gaines and Michael Sam. James Franklin, a three-year starter at quarterback, is among nine players in all at NFL training camps.
Coach Gary Pinkel set the school career record for victories last season and entering his 14th season believes there's plenty of depth. There are 11 returning starters counting both specialists, five of them on defense.
The team practiced at Faurot Field with coaches barking over occasional buzzing from construction crews working on a new upper deck added when the school joined their new conference.
Receive your weekly recap of all the happenings around the world of sports.