Missouri Football: Post-Spring, Two-Deep Depth Chart

While much of the focus for the Missouri spring game was on the new uniforms they were wearing, there was an actual game that ended up taking place over the weekend. It was a different type of game that featured two different formats.

The starters didn't play much, either due to injury or simply to avoid one. This showed us a lot about the depth the Tigers have and could end up creating a few position battles as we enter the fall.

With the spring over for the Tigers, here's what the post-spring depth chart should look like.

Quarterback

Starter: James Franklin

Backup: Corbin Berkstresser

Franklin is expected to make a full recovery by the time the fall rolls around, which is why he's still in the No. 1 spot on the depth chart. Berkstresser has shown enough throughout spring practice and the spring game to remain the No. 2 option. Don't expect this to change anytime soon. 

Running Back

Starter: Kendial Lawrence

Backup: Jared McGriff-Culver

Kendial Lawrence will be the starter for the Tigers with Henry Josey still recovering from an injury that doesn't look so positive. He's had a solid spring practice and rushed for 69 yards on only six carries in the spring game. McGriff-Culver is a solid blocker and a decent all-around back to help this team.

Wide Receiver

Starter: Marcus Lucas

Backup: Rolandis Woodland

Lucas made huge strides last season, finishing the year with 23 catches for over 400 receiving yards and five touchdowns. With his size at 6'5", 205 pounds, the coaches expect him to take on an even bigger role this season and put up huge numbers.

Wide Receiver

Starter: T.J. Moe

Backup: Gahn McGaffie

There's no question who the leader of the receiving corps is. T.J. Moe has been as consistent as they come in this offense the last couple of years and will be looking for another big season. McGaffie is a deep threat who should see a lot more action than he did last season.

Wide Receiver

Starter: L’Damian Washington

Backup: Jimmie Hunt

Washington is another big wideout (6'4") who had a solid sophomore season with 20 receptions for over 350 yards. He's a big-play receiver and is a matchup nightmare for most corners.

Hunt had the biggest play in the spring game, as he caught an 88-yard touchdown pass.

Tight End

Starter: Eric Waters

Backup: Jaleel Clark

Waters recently had surgery to repair his MCL, but he's expected to be back by the time fall camp arrives. It's important he can make a speedy recovery because he should be a bigger part of this offense than he was last season.

Left Tackle

Starter: Elvis Fisher

Backup: Taylor Chappell

We haven't seen much of Fisher this spring, as he's still recovering from a knee injury that kept him out all of last season, but when he's healthy, he's as solid as they come and is a leader on this offensive line.

He's expected to be back in August when the team hits the field for fall camp.

Left Guard

Starter: Travis Ruth

Backup: Max Copeland

Ruth has the ability to play nearly any position along the offensive line, but it appears this is where he'll end up. He played mostly center last season, although the senior should make the switch with little problem.

Center

Starter: Mitch Morse

Backup: Brad McNulty

According to the Columbia Daily Tribune, Morse has really emerged as the starting center throughout the spring and looks to keep this position heading into the fall. He's another versatile player who is also capable of lining up at left guard as well.

Right Guard

Starter: Jack Meiners

Backup: Nick Demien

Meiners is like everybody else on this line: extremely experienced and capable of playing several positions. He's played in a total of 38 games throughout his Missouri career and is arguably the best offensive lineman the Tigers have on their roster.

Right Tackle

Starter: Justin Britt

Backup: Chris Freeman

Elvis Fisher will be back at left tackle, so Britt will switch to right tackle after covering for him last season. Britt did a good job at protecting Franklin's blind side last season and should have little problem making the transition. 

Defensive End

Starter: Brad Madison

Backup: Michael Sam

Sam will see a lot of action this season because of his great combination of speed and power, but the starting role still belongs to Madison. He finished second on the team in sacks with 4.5 and had 8.5 tackles for loss. With a lot of young talent along the defensive line, I expect him to have a season similar to his sophomore season when he racked up 7.5 sacks and had 11 tackles for loss.

Defensive Tackle

Starter: Sheldon Richardson

Backup: Matt Hotch

Richardson will be the starter once he returns from shoulder surgery. He was a key contributor along the defensive line last season as he finished with 37 tackles, eight tackles for loss and two sacks. The big guy in the middle of the line should end having the best season of his career once he's completely healthy.

Defensive Tackle

Starter: Lucas Vincent

Backup: George White

Vincent has done a fabulous job in the spring and will earn a starting role on the defensive line. He's a lot stronger than he was last season, has gained weight to fit in his new role and has increased his speed as well. He'll be a big part of this defensive line.

Defensive End

Starter: Kony Ealy

Backup: Shane Ray

Ealy is an athlete at the defensive end position and could easily become on of the more talented defensive players on this roster. He's a physical player, plays with a high motor and is a very solid tackler. Expect him to continue the great workouts and keep his spot on the defensive line.

Linebacker

Starter: Zaviar Gooden

Backup: Darvin Ruise

Goodman will enter his third season as the starter at the linebacker position. Last season he finished with 80 tackles and seemed to make big play after big play for the Tigers.

Despite not participating much in the spring, he'll keep his role as starting linebacker.

Linebacker

Starter: Will Ebner

Backup: Donovan Bonner

Will Ebner missed all of last season with a concussion and was fortunate enough to be awarded a fifth year of eligibility. He'll get the starting role at the middle linebacker position and should pick up where he left off in 2008 and 2009. If he can stay healthy, of course.

Linebacker

Starter: Andrew Wilson

Backup: Michael Brennan

With Ebner returning from injury, Wilson will go from middle linebacker to the strong-side linebacker. Wilson is without question one of the hardest hitters on the team and earned Second-Team All-Big 12 honors last season.

Cornerback

Starter: Kip Edwards

Backup: Randy Ponder

Edwards was a starter for the first time last season and responded in a big way for the Tigers as he finished with 55 tackles, three passes defended and one interception. He brings a lot of athleticism to the table and should be in for another big season.

Cornerback

Starter: E.J. Gaines

Backup: Robert Steeples

There simply aren't many corners in the country that are as good as E.J. Gaines and a season similar to last year will be expected. He made the All-Big 12 first team last season and broke up a ridiculous 18 passes and had 69 tackles.

Gaines is a huge part of this defense heading into next year.

Strong Safety

Starter: Kenronte Walker

Backup: Tavon Bolden

Walker has been an impressive player ever since he arrived to Missouri and in his first season as a starter last year, he finished 44 tackles at the free safety position. He'll move over to strong safety this season and should have an even bigger year with more experience under his belt.

Bolden has really had a great spring and I wouldn't be surprised if he's sharing playing time somewhere in the defensive backfield.

Free Safety

Starter: Braylon Webb

Backup: Matt White

Webb is one of the younger players on the team and lacks experience, but doesn't lack talent. He has great size at 6'2", 185 pounds, is as tough as they come and has great speed. He saw limited action as a redshirt freshman last season, but expect to see him on the field as a starter this year at the free safety position.