Missouri's junior day was a success as the Tigers landed commitments from two in-state recruits.
Feb 13, 2012 - Missouri football recruiting closed exceptionally well in 2012 with the signing of Dorial Green-Beckham. And the Tigers are not slowing down after hosting a very successful junior day. Over 30 recruits made the trek to Columbia, which is now SEC country. And the Tigers came away with two commitments in Joe Burkett and Aarion Penton.
Burkett plays for Jefferson City (Mo.) High School and will play linebacker. He is 6'3" and 200 pounds, which is a good size for a linebacker entering his senior year. Burkett has always wanted to be a Tiger, as he told the KansasCity.com:
Burkett has been going to Missouri games with his dad and grandfather practically his whole life.
"His dad had season tickets for years," LePage said. "I know when they offered him (Saturday), it took their breath away. They talked about it for a little and 15 minutes later, Joey said ‘Dad, I want to be a Tiger.'"
Burkett is n excellent athlete and revealed in the linked Kansas City article that he was a gymnast for much of his like.
Penton plays for St. Louis CBC and stands 5'10" 170. He is designated as an athlete, meaning the recruiting services have not decided which position he will likely play. Penton isn't exactly sure either, as he told STL Today:
"They said they are leaving it up to me," he said. "They said they like me on both sides of the ball." Penton said he doesn't have a preference. He said he could end up playing running back, wide receiver or defensive back for the Tigers. "I just like to have a winning team and I like to help my team out, so whichever position is best for me and the team, then that's what I'll play," he said.
Penton isn't widely known in recruiting circles, but remember, it's very early in the recruiting process. Missouri has a good track record of uncovering prospects who later become stars.
For more on Mizzou football, visit Missouri blog Rock M Nation, plus SEC blog Team Speed Kills, SB Nation Kansas City and SB Nation St. Louis.
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