Inside Eli Drinkwitz’s Post-Season Huddle: JUCO Ruling and Coordinator Reflections
After a tumultuous football season, Missouri head coach Eli Drinkwitz convened a crucial meeting with his team and coordinators to assess the program’s performance and chart a path forward. Among the top agenda items were the NCAA’s ruling on the eligibility of junior college transfer Luther Burden and the future of the team’s coordinator staff.
The Luther Burden Dilemma
Recruitment and Eligibility
Luther Burden III, a highly touted wide receiver from East St. Louis High School, reclassified and enrolled at the University of Missouri in January 2022. However, the NCAA deemed him ineligible for the 2022 season due to a technicality in his academic transcript. This ruling sent shockwaves through the Mizzou program and raised critical questions about the NCAA’s governance.
Impact on the Program
Burden’s ineligibility was a significant blow to Mizzou’s offense. The Tigers lacked a consistent passing attack throughout the season, and Burden’s presence on the field would have undoubtedly provided a dynamic playmaker.
NCAA’s Response
The NCAA’s decision was met with criticism from many corners of college football. Many analysts questioned the fairness of the ruling, arguing that Burden should have been eligible to play after meeting the necessary academic requirements. In the wake of the backlash, the NCAA announced that it would be reviewing its eligibility rules.
Coordinator Evaluations
Mike Scherer: Offensive Coordinator
The offense under Mike Scherer struggled mightily in 2022, ranking near the bottom of the SEC in several statistical categories. Despite the lack of success, Drinkwitz expressed confidence in Scherer’s ability to lead the offense moving forward.
Blake Baker: Defensive Coordinator
Blake Baker’s defense proved to be a bright spot in a difficult season. The Tigers allowed the fewest yards per game in the conference and recorded an impressive 46 sacks. Drinkwitz praised Baker’s leadership and defensive scheme.
Personnel Changes
Despite retaining both Scherer and Baker as coordinators, Drinkwitz announced that there would be some staff adjustments. Former wide receivers coach Jacob Peeler will take over as passing game coordinator, while defensive backs coach Charlie Harbison has been promoted to associate head coach.
Moving Forward
Coach Drinkwitz emphasized the importance of learning from the challenges faced in 2022 and striving for improvement in the offseason. He outlined several key areas of focus, including:
- Player Development: Prioritizing the physical and mental growth of the players.
- Offensive Improvement: Implementing a more efficient and explosive offensive scheme.
- Defensive Refinement: Continuing to develop the defense while adding more playmakers.
- Recruiting Success: Signing a highly rated recruiting class for the future.
Broader Implications
The post-season huddle at Missouri is a microcosm of the challenges and opportunities facing college football programs across the country. The NCAA’s eligibility rules, the scrutiny of coordinators, and the pressure to succeed are all factors that must be navigated in order to achieve success.
The decisions made by Coach Drinkwitz will shape the future of the Missouri football program. By embracing both continuity and change, the Tigers have the potential to build upon the lessons learned in 2022 and emerge as a contender in the SEC in the years to come.
Conclusion
Eli Drinkwitz’s post-season huddle with his team and coordinators was a critical opportunity for reflection and strategic planning. The NCAA’s ruling on Luther Burden raised important questions about player eligibility, while the evaluation of coordinators highlighted the need for both stability and improvement. By addressing these challenges head-on, Missouri is positioned to learn from its experiences and emerge as a stronger program in the future.
Assistant coaches are often the unsung heroes of college football. They are responsible for developing and coaching players, creating game plans, and managing the day-to-day operations of the program. In this article, we will take a closer look at the assistant coaching staff of the Missouri Tigers football team.
| Coach | Position | Years at Mizzou |
|---|---|---|
| Mike Scherer | Offensive Coordinator | 1 |
| Blake Baker | Defensive Coordinator | 1 |
| Jacob Peeler | Passing Game Coordinator | 1 |
| Charlie Harbison | Associate Head Coach/Defensive Backs | 1 |
| Curtis Luper | Running Backs | 1 |
| Erik Link | Tight Ends | 1 |
| Marcus Johnson | Wide Receivers | 1 |
| Travis Fisher | Offensive Line | 1 |
| Ryan Walters | Special Teams | 1 |
