Mizzou Tigers: Transformations in the Defensive Secondary Unfold Amid Spring Practice.
The Missouri Tigers defensive secondary faces a significant challenge as they strive to replace key defensive backs Ennis Rakestraw, Kris Abrams-Draine, and J.C. Carlies for the upcoming 2024 season.
Newly appointed defensive coordinator Corey Batoon, a seasoned coaching veteran with 33 years of experience, is prioritizing effective communication within the defensive secondary during the offseason. Batoon emphasizes the importance of clarity and vocalization among his defensive backs to enhance their performance.
The defensive secondary is undergoing notable changes, particularly with the departure of standouts Rakestraw, Abrams-Draine, and Carlies, who have all declared for the NFL draft. With three starting positions to fill, the Tigers are navigating this transition period by incorporating additions like Clemson transfer Torianno Pride Jr. while relying on returning starters such as Joseph Charleston and Dreyden Norwood.
MizzouCentral’s Joey Van Zummeren provides insight into Norwood and Charleston’s performance during spring practice in a video breakdown. Batoon’s expectations for improved communication within the group are highlighted, emphasizing the pivotal role these players will play in the upcoming season.
Norwood, a junior with previous experience at Texas A&M, made five starts for Missouri in 2023 due to injuries to multiple starters. Charleston, a senior safety who began his career at Clemson, started all 13 games last year and emerged as the team’s second-leading tackler with 60 tackles in the 2023 season. With Carlies absent from the lineup, Charleston is anticipated to assume a more prominent role alongside fellow safety Tre’Vez Johnson, with a focus on leadership.
Missouri fans will have the opportunity to witness the revamped secondary in action on Saturday, March 16, during the Spring Game scheduled at Faurot Field at 1 p.m.
