Head Coach Eliah Drinkwitz, Carnell, Tollison, and Young represent Missouri in Atlanta; the QB competition, transfers, and team mindset are highlighted in media day discussions.
ATLANTA | Missouri football concluded the final day of SEC Football Kickoff on Thursday with Head Coach Eliah Drinkwitz and student-athletes Daylan Carnell, Connor Tollison, and Zion Young taking center stage at the College Football Hall of Fame and Omni Atlanta Hotel at Centennial Park.
The Tigers' delegation engaged with multiple ESPN and SEC Network programs, including SEC This Morning, SEC Now, and Marty & McGee. Coach Drinkwitz’s interview with Marty Smith and Ryan McGee will be featured on a special episode of Marty & McGee: Talkin’ Season airing August 11 or 12.
Drinkwitz was the first of four head coaches to speak from the main media room Thursday morning, offering insight on several key topics heading into the 2025 season.
Quarterback Competition
Drinkwitz outlined the strengths of Missouri’s three quarterback contenders:
- Sam Horn, a dual-sport athlete recovering from Tommy John surgery, was praised for his maturity, system knowledge, and resilience as a Type 1 diabetic. Drinkwitz emphasized Horn’s commitment to football despite being drafted in the 17th round of the MLB Draft by the Los Angeles Dodgers.
- Beau Pribula, a transfer, has impressed with his work ethic, leadership, and passing ability. Drinkwitz noted Pribula’s approach and fit within the team culture, describing him as someone with “the right kind of chip on his shoulder.”
- Matt Zollers, a freshman, is recovering from ankle surgery but stood out for his elite arm talent. Drinkwitz said Zollers is adapting quickly to the speed of college football.
Notable Transfers
- Jalen Catalon, a veteran safety, brings valuable experience and football instincts to the defensive backfield. Drinkwitz praised Catalon’s ability to diagnose plays, blitz effectively, and lead a room that lost significant experience with the departure of Joseph Charleston.
- Ahmad Hardy, a running back transfer from Louisiana-Monroe, has impressed with his understanding of the scheme and explosive play. Off the field, Hardy is known for his love of horseback riding and fishing, even taking teammates like Kevin Coleman out to local community ponds.
Team Identity and Mindset
Drinkwitz emphasized a “something to prove” mentality and dismissed outside opinions as distractions.
“Whether it’s praise or criticism, it’s all rat poison. Our team is driven by trust, belief in each other, and enjoying the journey together,” he said.
He also reflected on his personal growth as head coach, stating:
“In my early years, I cared about what people thought. Now, I’m here to represent my family, my players, and the University of Missouri — that’s what matters most.”
Final Thoughts on Pribula
Drinkwitz reaffirmed his confidence in quarterback Beau Pribula, highlighting the evaluation process and how Pribula quickly made a strong impression during his campus visit.
“After this spring, I’m as confident as ever that Beau is a very talented passer,” he said.
With a deep quarterback room, key transfer additions, and a determined mindset, Mizzou heads into the 2025 season with both challenges and opportunities — and an apparent belief in its ability to compete.
======
-- By James A. Wright
© 2025 JWT Communications. All rights reserved. This article may not be republished, rebroadcast, rewritten, or distributed in any form without prior written permission.
No comments:
Post a Comment