Head coach Eli Drinkwitz and a few Tigers addressed the media Tuesday ahead of their home matchup with Texas A&M this coming Saturday at 11 a.m.
Johnnie Jones Facing Heart Transplant
Mizzou coach Eli Drinkwitz became emotional Wednesday discussing freshman offensive lineman Johnnie Jones, who is now on a heart transplant list after doctors discovered a significant heart issue.
Drinkwitz said the issue was identified during Jones’ summer check-in. Jones later traveled to the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, where doctors found “a much
more significant issue.”
“It’s just hard,” Drinkwitz said, choking up as he discussed the freshman.
Injuries, Ahmad Hardy Update
Mizzou will continue to monitor several players ahead of Saturday’s game against Texas A&M. Langden Kitchen and Darris Smith remain questionable, while linebacker Robert Woodyard Jr. will also be monitored closely in practice.
Running back Ahmad Hardy has not yet been cleared to begin his two-week practice ramp-up. Drinkwitz said Hardy is working hard but did not have a timetable for his return.
“As soon as I get an update that’s worth sharing, I promise I will,” Drinkwitz said. “I know everybody’s frustrated, I know he’s frustrated. I’m trying not to be frustrated. When he’s ready, he’s ready.”
Three Freshmen Arrested
Freshmen Karsten Fiene, Trashundon Neal and Ahmod Billins were arrested and booked Wednesday by the Columbia Police Department on first-degree harassment charges. All three were released on bond.
Drinkwitz said the program is aware of the arrests and will allow the legal process to play out before making any decisions or taking disciplinary action.
Players Earn National Recognition
Mizzou left tackle Cayden Green was named the Outland Trophy’s player of the week following his performance against Florida. The award recognizes the nation’s top offensive lineman each week.
Green has yet to allow a pressure, quarterback hit or sack this season.
Linebacker Nicholas Rodriguez also earned recognition as a co-SEC Defensive Player of the Week after his performance against Florida, but he quickly shifted the focus to Saturday.
“I’m grateful for it; I was excited for it. But it’s a new day,” Rodriguez said. “The sun rose, got a new game plan. We got a new opponent, got a new team, we gotta get better.”
Aggies Present a Major Challenge
Drinkwitz made clear that Mizzou will have its hands full with Texas A&M, praising coach Mike Elko’s roster and calling quarterback Marcel Reed “elite.”
“He’s a really good player,” Drinkwitz said of Reed. “He’s got a lot of experience in this league. He’s seen a lot of different defenses. I don’t think that you’re necessarily going to trick him.”
Drinkwitz said Mizzou’s biggest priority is limiting Reed’s ability to run.
Austin Simmons echoed that respect for the Aggies, particularly after seeing their defense last season.
“They’re a great, talented team,” Simmons said. “They’re a really tough team to play against.”
Drinkwitz also praised Texas A&M’s rushing attack, offensive line, receivers and secondary, saying the Aggies are strong in all three phases.
For Mizzou, the approach remains unchanged despite last week’s win over Florida.
“It’s all about improving from week to week,” Drinkwitz said. “It’s just a matter of how focused you are on making sure that gets done.”
Simmons put it more simply: “Go 1-0 each and every day.”
