Missouri Football: 5 Weakest Positions to Worry About

The Missouri Tigers are a solid college football team.

But, no team is perfect, and the Tigers are no exception.

They still have holes that they need filled and players who must step up in 2012 if they are going to be competitive as they transfer from the Big 12 to the SEC.

Let’s take a look at the five positions fans should worry about the most in 2012.

5. Cornerback

The cornerback position will have some familiar faces in 2012.

However, returning players E.J. Gaines and Kip Edwards need to step up and help replace Trey Hobson this season.

The secondary was shaky at times in 2011 and allowed too many pass yards to teams with good quarterbacks.

They’ll need to shore up their pass defense as they transition to the SEC this year.

4. Safety

Kenji Jackson was the leader of the Missouri secondary, but now he’s gone.

Someone new is going to have to step in and fill that void.

There’s still experience at the safety position, with senior Kenronte Walker taking over the leadership role vacated by Jackson.

However, sophomore Braylon Webb is going to have to have a big year if the Tigers are going to improve their pass defense in 2012.

3. Defensive Tackle

When both of your starters at a position graduate, it’s definitely a position to worry about the next year.

Dominique Hamilton and Terrell Resonno are gone, but at least Sheldon Richardson remains on the team.

It’s up to him to step up his game this year and show why he was one of the most coveted defensive tackle prospects in the country a couple years ago.

Against running backs like Marcus Lattimore and Isaiah Crowell, a tough front line is a necessity for success.

2. Kicker

Grant Ressel really struggled as a senior kicker last season, eventually losing his job to punter Trey Barrow.

Barrow, however, has struggled this spring, losing his job to freshman Andrew Baggett.

Baggett is largely untested as a kicker, but will need to be consistent in 2012.

The Tigers can’t afford another season with inaccuracy from their placekickers.

1. Tight End

Michael Egnew was one of the best tight ends in all of college football during his time at Mizzou. Replacing him is certainly not going to be easy.

Complicating matters is the fact that his backup, Andrew Jones, also graduated after the 2011 season.

That leaves junior Eric Waters at the top of the depth chart.

He’s no Egnew, but he’ll need to have a big impact on the offense in 2012.