This offseason, I’m previewing the Missouri football season by counting down the Top 40 Most Important Tigers for 2024. My goal is to spotlight players with high potential who could elevate the team, those with proven track records who are essential, and talented individuals in competitive positions who may become key contributors in the future.
What makes a player important? It’s a mix of exceptional performance, especially at crucial positions, and players with significant potential or who can influence their position group’s success. This includes those at positions with limited depth or those looking to bounce back from challenging seasons. It also encompasses players stepping into starting roles for the first time, whether they’re young talents or high-profile transfers.
This countdown will lead us to the season opener against Murray State, with five new players featured in each segment. Previously, we covered some key catchers. Now, we’re focusing on veteran defenders as we enter the top half of our list.
**20. Corey Flagg — Linebacker — Senior**
**19. Chuck Hicks — Linebacker — Senior**
Occasionally, I group adjacent players into a single entry for efficiency, and I’m doing the same for these two experienced middle linebackers. Flagg and Hicks have been in college football for a significant time: Flagg was a durable player at Miami for four years, while Hicks has had a tumultuous career marked by injuries since his time at Wyoming in 2018.
Hicks has had to step into starting roles at various points, and his journey is inspiring—transferring from a smaller school and overcoming injuries to compete at the highest level of college football. However, unlike Cody Schrader, whose similar path led to a standout performance, Hicks has struggled at times, particularly in coverage, making him a weak link in some of Missouri’s SEC games. Despite this, he had a standout performance against Tennessee, where a tailored game plan helped him excel.
Flagg has been a solid college player but not exceptional. He faced some issues in coverage, particularly during the 2021 season. Despite this, his experience in a major conference sets him apart. His missed tackle rate is 12.9%, compared to Hicks’ 21.0% in his sole power conference season. Flagg allowed 46 completions on 62 targets at Miami, averaging 12.3 yards per catch, while Hicks permitted 14 completions on 16 targets at 15.4 yards each. Flagg also pressured the quarterback 18% of the time, whereas Hicks did so 12% of the time.
Chuck Hicks is expected to start as the middle linebacker this season, reflecting his dedication and leadership in Columbia. However, Flagg offers a slightly more athletic and experienced option. In crucial games, it would be advantageous for Missouri to consider giving Flagg more playing time due to his proven track record and athleticism in a major football conference.
**18. Marcus Clarke — Cornerback — Senior**
Former Miami player Marcus Clarke is set for his second season with Missouri. Last year, he primarily played during the team’s easier wins but will now take on a larger role as the third cornerback. Clarke played 175 snaps last season, compared to the 383 snaps played by last year’s third corner, Dreyden Norwood. With several young cornerbacks like Nick DeLoach and Ja’Marion Wayne still developing, Clarke’s veteran presence will be crucial as Missouri looks to replace nearly 1,300 snaps from last season.
**17. Darris Smith — Defensive End — Junior**
Darris Smith is one of Missouri’s most unpredictable prospects for this season. As a former highly-regarded recruit from Georgia, his athleticism is notable, but he had a challenging season in 2023, leading to his transfer. At Missouri, Smith will have the opportunity to redeem himself, potentially playing a significant role in the new Joker position and as a pass-rushing defensive end. His athleticism could make a substantial impact, and strong performances from him could elevate Missouri’s defensive capabilities.
**16. Marcus Carroll — Running Back — Senior**
Marcus Carroll might remind fans of Cody Schrader with his similar size, jersey number, and running style. Like Schrader, Carroll excels in the outside zone run game and has been a strong finisher, averaging 7.0 yards per carry in the fourth quarter last season. Although Carroll won’t face the same heavy workload as Schrader did, he will have ample opportunities to showcase his skills. The Georgia State transfer could make a significant impact in Eli Drinkwitz’s run game, which has a history of producing top SEC running backs.
