Mizzou’s first fall practice offers glimpse into early defensive lineups

The second-team lineup gave a look at who could compete for significant playing time, and/or one of the starting spots. Florida State transfer Jaeden Jones and redshirt freshman Daeden Hopkins took those reps. After an impressive freshman season, Hopkins could have a chance to earn a starting spot for the Tigers this season, edge rushers coach Brian Early said in an interview with the Missourian on Sunday. JUCO transfer DeMarcus Johnson was with the third lineup.

On the interior of the defensive line, the starters were also the two expected ones, Marquis Gracial and Jalen Marshall. The second and third lineups, however, revealed who could work their way up in the rotation.

Sterling Webb, who was granted an additional year of eligibility on Thursday after suing the NCAA, was present for his first practice back with the team. Webb lined up with the third group, showing why Drinkwitz said it would be a unique process of welcoming the 2025 starter back onto the team.

“It's going to be important to get him back slowly, acclimated to our program, and it's going to be important for our team to welcome him back, seeing him as a part of our success and not allowing his return to affect us in a negative way,” Drinkwitz told reporters Monday.

Defensive tackles coach David Blackwell said Webb's return is welcomed by his unit and not viewed as a distraction.

"Coach Drink talks about always compete, and it's a little bit of an unusual situation," Blackwell said in an interview with the Missourian on Monday. "But honestly, through the room, I have not had a sense of any of that, I think the guys are excited he's back. It makes a good room better."

Meanwhile, in the second lineup, redshirt freshman Jason Dowell was taking the reps. The redshirt freshman could have the chance to play a significant role in the rotation, especially while redshirt sophomore Elias Williams deals with a leg injury that could keep him out for the entire season.

Drinkwitz has spoken highly of Dowell ever since the Cahokia, Illinois, product arrived on campus.

“You can tell Jason Dowell’s made a jump from his freshman year,” Drinkwitz said in a press conference following spring practices.

Other interesting placements came in the secondary. The two starting cornerbacks were Ole Miss transfer Chris Graves Jr. and returning redshirt junior Nicholas Deloach Jr.  

Though Graves was one of the anticipated starters, Deloach's placement could be an early tell of the competition for the second starting spot. Deloach has been a contributor in each of the past two seasons, and now will likely compete with Oregon transfers Jahlil Florence and Sione Laulea for the starting role.

For the safeties, the first lineup included returners Santana Banner and Trajen Greco at the two starting positions, while Michigan transfer Elijah Dotson was at the STAR position.

After being an important contributor in each of his first two seasons, Greco figures to get a starting opportunity in 2026.

Dotson was a young standout for Michigan in his freshman season in 2026, and has now recovered from March surgery for a torn labrum. The versatile defensive back recorded 11 total tackles and an interception with the Wolverines, and will now likely look to fill three-year starter Daylan Carnell’s shoes in Missouri’s secondary.

Missouri will continue practicing through the end of August before opening the season by hosting Arkansas-Pine Bluff on Sept. 3.