Mizzou Spring Football Storylines: Defensive Line

That leaves the two transfer additions, Wilson and Johnson. Both have a lot to prove during the spring because the Tiger faithful and the coaching staff haven't seen them live on a field yet and there are also starting spots open. They both, without a doubt, have the talent to play significant snaps for Missouri next season. The spring is a great time to start that journey.

What is the injury status of Darris Smith?

Figuring out where Smith fits into the rotation of defensive ends is nearly impossible, given there's no game tape of him in a Missouri uniform. Placing him in any sort of lineup projection is also impossible because his health status is unclear.

Smith suffered a knee injury last year in fall camp that sidelined him for the entire 2024-2025 season. It was looking like Smith was going to be a contributor on the Tiger defense until the unfortunate injury that's set him back quite a bit.

"He was having an outstanding camp and was poised to have a great year. We will support Darris in his recovery and look forward to him returning stronger than before," head coach Eli Drinkwitz said.

Smith was set up to be helpful for the Tigers and his loss made an impact. Missouri's defense was still very good, especially on the front, so whether he truly would have helped is a mystery. With his combination of speed and creativity, surely there would have been a way for Smith to show off what he can do.

“Darris Smith shined bright in the spring game,” Drinkwitz said during last season's fall camp. “and he's really flashed that way for us all spring.”

The truth about Smith's health is that there is no information on it. That will make his spring practice slate important and the question of whether he's ready to play or not will soon be answered.

Who in the DT group is ready to take a leap after multiple departures?

After last season, there are no doubts that Chris McClellan will be the alpha at the defensive tackle spot. He was the most productive of the tackles, even more than senior and captain Kristian Williams, setting him up for a great senior season.

That leaves the question as to who will fall in behind him. There's a long list of guys that dipped their feet in the water last year at the spot, but none of them found consistent snaps on a game-to-game basis. Missouri has long relied on two defensive tackles on its defense, though, and will need one of the many behind McClellan to step up. Even if one doesn't stand out, the depth is there for the Tigers when they need to rely on it.

“We feel really good about the depth and the quality of depth that we have and the ability to keep guys fresh," Drinkwitz said last season during a press conference.

Marquis Gracial, Jalen Marshall, Sam Williams and Sterling Webb all played inconsistent amounts last season. By the end of the year, Webb and Gracial were the ones being relied on and that might give them the front seat. As far as evaluating skillsets go, they also have the two best to match with McClellan.

Both can rush the passer and both are big and physical, just like McClellan. Webb is slightly smaller and is closer to McClellan's level of speed than Gracial is, potentially giving him another edge in the race.

Last season is in the past and somebody has to start to prove themself in the preseason. It could be a variety of players, including some that weren't previously mentioned like Elias Williams and Justin Bodford. Whoever it is, starting to see someone emerge as the second defensive tackle in the room during the spring will be another positive step forward for the Missouri offense.