SPRINGFIELD — During fall camp, Adrienne Large sat in Plaster Stadium. She was one of a handful of people consistently at practice.
With a large umbrella shielding her from the sun, she watched her son, King Large, with pride every day.
Large has become a Missouri State fan favorite early in the season. Adrienne’s son has been putting on a show at left tackle for the Bears.
Large isn’t living a normal college life. He’s not in a gross dorm room or a run-down house. He’s living with his mom. King and Adrienne are a dynamic duo.
“When I was growing up, my mom always said that she would come with me wherever I went to college,” Large said. “At first, I was like, ‘No, you got to let the bird leave the nest.’ But it’s been a real blessing having her around.”
Adrienne loves her son deeply. She’s always there if he needs anything, but she can also be his harshest critic. Large doesn’t shy away from the criticism. He wants to be criticized because he badly wants to improve.
“She’s always proud of me,” Large said. “But she’ll say, ‘Looks like he got you on that play.‘” You got to work on that this week.’ It keeps it top of mind that I always have something to work on.”
Large followed Casey Woods to Missouri State this offseason. The 6-foot-4 junior featured in three games during his first two seasons at SMU.
When an opportunity to play at Missouri State presented itself, Large jumped on it.
“It was an easy choice. I was one of the first people he reached out to,” Large said. “It was seamless. I came on a visit and loved it.”
Missouri State practically rebuilt its offensive line from last year’s team. New faces are across the board, and the unit is performing admirably.
Against Texas A&M, Large earned the third-best pass-blocking grade in Conference USA, according to PFF.
In Week 2, Large ranked No. 2 in Conference USA with an overall blocking grade of 77.5, only behind teammate Makhete Gueye.
“Contrary to the end result, if you watch the film, we are duking it out with an SEC d-line,” Large said. “We are opening holes and punching the ball and running it. We were driving it down the field.”
Offensive line coach Hussam Ouri has been building a line that has impressed through the first two weeks. Large said Ouri’s commitment to technique and small details has allowed them to thrive in the Bears offense.
“Coach Ouri has done a great job, and King has been really good,” Offensive coordinator Mark Cala said this week.
Thanks to Missouri State’s coaching staff and his loving mother, Large is taking his opportunity and thriving in his first chance starting at the FBS level.
After every home game, Large doesn’t have to settle for fast food.
Adrienne will be waiting for him with a home-cooked meal fit for a king.
Liam Keating covers high school sports and Missouri State athletics for The Springfield News-Leader. Send stats or information to him at Lkeating@usatodayco.com
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: King Large thriving with Missouri State football, with supportive family nearby
