The University of Missouri football program, and new head coach Eli Drinkwitz, have a solid start going in the recruiting game, earning the verbal commitment of two in-state high school preps on Saturday.
First to say yes to Mizzou was DeSmet High School junior running back Taj Butts, who won a Class 6 state championship last December, rushing for 1,300 yards and 18 touchdowns during the season to 132 carries. The offer from Missouri to Butts came on Monday, April 20th, followed by a ‘virtual visit’ one day later, and the commitment mid-day Saturday.
Butts chose the in-state offer from Mizzou over the likes of Kentucky, Iowa, State, Illinois, Indiana, West Virginia, and Louisville.
Just hours after Butts became Mizzou’s fifth commitment in the Class of 2021, tight end Ryan Hoerstkamp of Washington, Missouri became the sixth. The 6’4″ 225 pounder chose Missouri’s offer over those from Arizona, Arkansas, and Kansas. Hoerstkamp and Butts are both considered “three-star” prospects.
Since replacing Barry Odom at MU in December, Drinkwitz has garnered all six commitments in the quickly growing class, including those from quarterback Tyler Macon of East St. Louis, Illinois, Jackson, Missouri offensive tackle Connor Tollison, DeSmet High School defensive tackle Mehki Wingo, and tight end Gavin McKay of Memphis, Tennessee. Â
The website 247Sports.com ranks Missouri’s class #5 in the Southeastern Conference, and #35 in the country.
