The Missouri Tigers boast one of the most talented secondaries in college football. When the 2024 NFL Draft rolls around the Tigers could have four defensive backs get selected.
The Tigers open the season on Thursday at home against the University of South Dakota at 7 p.m.. The Coyotes will start Aidan Bouman, the son of long-time NFL backup quarterback, Todd Bouman. The lefty quarterback was named the Missouri Valley Conference Newcomer of the Year, after passing for 892 yards and eight touchdowns in six games last season. Bouman and the Coyotes won’t be the most challenging test that the Tigers face this season, however, it figures to be a good early test for a talented secondary.
Kris Abrams-Draine
A four-star recruit out of Alabama, Abrams-Draine arrived at Columbia as a wide receiver and made the switch to cornerback in 2021. That season, Abrams-Draine recorded three interceptions and 10 pass deflections. This past season, the Missouri cornerback recorded 14 pass deflections. His background as a wide receiver is evident in his route recognition. He quickly closes on the ball to get his hands on a lot of passes. He’s got excellent speed and doesn’t panic when the ball is in the air. Despite being on the leaner side (178), Abrams-Draine has a high batting average as a tackler.
Jaylon Carlies
A 28-game starter, Carlies can line up in the slot, on the boundary, in the box, or deep. Over the past two seasons, the Missouri safety has recorded 149 tackles, seven tackles for loss, one sack, seven interceptions, and 11 pass deflections. He’s a well-rounded prospect, who is capable of wearing multiple hats for a defensive coordinator. He flies downhill and arrives at the ball carrier with bad intentions. He’s a lanky athlete, who showcases good range.
Ennis Rakestraw Jr
A year removed from a torn ACL, Rakestraw recorded 3.5 tackles for loss, one interception, and 13 pass deflections last season. Rakestraw is a fluid athlete and easy change of direction ability. The Missouri cornerback is a long, physical cornerback who does a good job of getting physical at the catch point.
Joseph Charleston
A Clemson transfer, Charleston finished his first season as a Tiger with 53 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, one sack, and one interception. Charleston is a movable piece, logging snaps in the slot, deep, and on the boundary during his first year with the Tigers. According to Pro Football Focus, Charleston missed just four tackles last season.
Other names to know from Missouri’s secondary include Daylan Carnell, Tre’Vez Johnson and Sidney Williams. Note: Carlies is a game-time decision for tonight’s matchup against the Coyotes.
