Tigers recruit 25 football players for 2009

New recruit Sheldon Richardson is ranked fourth in the nation.

By Evan Glantz

Published Feb. 5, 2009

The Missouri football team is graduating 22 players who were an integral part in changing the culture of Tiger football. On Wednesday, the Tigers reloaded by signing 25 recruits who hope to continue Missouri's recent success.

"You always look for balance," coach Gary Pinkel said. "You always look to hit your positions. We look for athletes, people who can run and that's real important in how we evaluate."

The headline of Wednesday's class was Sheldon Richardson from Gateway Tech in St. Louis.

"I think he is a tremendous athlete, and we're certainly thrilled that he's a Missouri Tiger," Pinkel said.

Ranked by Rivals.com as the fourth best prospect in the nation, it remains to be seen what position he will ultimately play for the Tigers. His lofty ranking lists him as defensive end.

Richardson also has interest in playing on the offensive side of the ball as a tight end. On the MU Athletic Department's Web site, he is listed as a tight end, at least for now.

"He can play a number of places," Pinkel said. "We might have four assistant coaches fight over him to have him play. We'll talk with him about what he wants to do, and if we think he can be a first team All-American at another position that fits him better than tight end, we'll talk to him about it."

While the big story was Richardson's signing, it certainly was not the only one. Just a few days prior to signing day, freshman running back Drew Temple informed the team he would not be returning next season. His departure left only two running backs on the roster.

Enter Kendial Lawrence, Rival.com's No. 16 running back in the nation. Lawrence's 2,681 rushing yards and 43 touchdowns helped guide Rockwall-Heath High School to its first district championship.

"Kendial is a real talented player," Pinkel said. "He's a strong runner, has great quickness, and is certainly an impact player with the football. We're real happy he decided to come to Missouri, and he has a great chance of playing as a freshman."

Lawrence was one of seven players plucked from the fertile football fields of Texas. The Tigers also signed 10 in-state players, proving they are building a wall around Missouri. For the second year in a row, they secured the state's top recruit in Richardson.

Overall, Scout.com ranked Missouri's class as No. 35 in the country. Rivals.com had them at No. 41, but only No. 8 in the Big 12.

Still, Pinkel said he is not worried about what others have to say. He and the other Tiger coaches prefer to put more emphasis on their evaluation.

"People ask 'How good is the class?'" Pinkel said. "I believe in how we evaluate. We spend a lot of time with our evaluation system, and it's a system that's a lot different than what other people do. I don't care if we're ranked fifth in the nation or 80th -- that means nothing to me. I believe in how we evaluate kids and how we recruit, and I suggest that it's working."