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SEC Football: Most important newcomers for each team in 2021

By Dante Pryor

A welcome message for the new University of Tennessee football coach, Josh Heupel on a billboard on Alcoa Highway in Knoxville, Tenn., on Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2021.Coach Josh Heupel 2021 125333
A welcome message for the new University of Tennessee football coach, Josh Heupel on a billboard on Alcoa Highway in Knoxville, Tenn., on Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2021.Coach Josh Heupel 2021 125333 /
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Missouri head football coach Eli Drinkwitz shouts directions to players during the first day of fall practice Monday at the Kadlec Practice Fields. The Tigers are scheduled to open their season on Sept. 26.shows-MO-200819370-80b7ec65.jpg
Missouri head football coach Eli Drinkwitz shouts directions to players during the first day of fall practice Monday at the Kadlec Practice Fields. The Tigers are scheduled to open their season on Sept. 26.shows-MO-200819370-80b7ec65.jpg /

7. Missouri Tigers

The Missouri Tigers finished last season a mediocre 5-5. Their stats are as average as their record was last season. The Tigers finished either in the middle or lower half of many statistical categories last season. The Tigers were 78th in points scored and 85th in points allowed. Missouri was 66th in total defense and 59th in total offense.

In short, the Tigers were terrible, but they did were not great either. If there was one weak point for the Tigers, however, it was defensively. Mizzou allowed 40 or more points five times last season. Missouri was not dynamic in the passing game either. No receiver with double-digit receptions averaged more than 13 yards per catch.

If the Tigers want to take a step forward, they need to be more dynamic offensively and defensively. Here are three players who can help.

  • Jadarrius Perkins (JUCO), CB: At 6-foot-2 and 185 pounds, Perkins is a rangy cornerback who can cover anywhere on the field. Perkins is a natural ballhawk who looks to create turnovers via the interception or causing fumbles. The Mississippi Gulf Coast product has natural ball skills with the ball in the air.  Perkins is a plug-and-play starter who instantly upgrades the defensive backfield for the Tigers.
  • Mookie Cooper (transfer), WR: The Missouri Tigers lacked punch in the passing game last season. Enter Mookie Cooper. A standout high school player in Ohio, Cooper, comes closer to home to play for the Tigers. The Ohio State transfer gives them a speedster who just needs the ball and space. Cooper is a polished route-runner who has good hands and a great burst with the ball. Cooper is one of the few elusive players without slowing down and can score from anywhere on the field.
  • Travion Ford, DE: Don’t be fooled by Ford’s lean appearance. The St. Louis product is a natural fluid pass rusher. Ford has a great move set to get to the quarterback capable of moving inside or outside. Ford does need to add weight and has the frame to do so. For a pass-rushing group with just one player with five sacks, Ford can come in right away as a situational pass rusher until he grows into an every-down lineman.
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