Missouri Football: Predicting the Depth Chart Heading into Fall Camp

Missouri enters its first season in the SEC with a lot of optimism. While many don't think this team has a chance to compete in college football's toughest conference, the Tigers believe they have enough talent to surprise people in 2012.

The team returns 13 starters from a year ago, including seven on the defensive side of the ball. The Tigers also have many playmakers on offense, and one of the better dual-threat quarterbacks in James Franklin. Missouri also has a solid recruiting class coming in that includes 5-star wide receiver Dorial Green-Beckham.

With the regular season just weeks away, here is what the Missouri Tigers depth chart should look like.

Quarterback

Starter: James Franklin, Junior

Backup: Corbin Berkstresser, Freshman

Franklin is the guy that will make this offense go. He is a playmaker at the quarterback position, who can kill you with either his arm or legs. Last season, he passed for over 2,800 yards, rushed for over 900 and scored 36 total touchdowns.

Running Back

Starter: Kendial Lawrence, Senior

Backup: Marcus Murphy, Sophomore

With Henry Josey expected to miss a good portion of the season, Lawrence will have to carry this team on the ground. He is an experienced runner, who has helped the Tigers on offense and special teams throughout his three-year career. He averaged close to five yards a carry last season and scored five touchdowns.

Receivers

Starter: Marcus Lucas, Junior

Backup: Rolandis Woodland, Senior

Lucas has big-time ability at 6'5", 215 pounds. He was third on this team in receiving yards last season, catching 23 passes for 414 yards and five touchdowns.

Starter: T.J. Moe, Senior

Backup: Gahn McGaffie, Senior

Moe is the most experienced receiver on the roster and the go-to guy in this offense. He has caught 148 passes for 1,702 yards and 10 touchdowns throughout his career.

Starter: L’Damian Washington, Junior

Backup: Bud Sasser, Sophomore

Washington is another big receiver, who began to shine as the season went on. He caught 20 passes last season, three of which went for touchdowns.

Starter: Eric Waters, Junior

Backup: Steve Drain, Senior

Waters saw most of his action last season on special teams, but did end up catching a 42-yard touchdown on offense.

Offensive Line

Left Tackle

Starter: Elvis Fisher, Senior

Backup: Anthony Gatti, Sophomore

Fisher will return to the starting lineup after missing the entire 2011 season with a knee injury. He is one of the leaders on this team and considered the best offensive lineman the team has.

Left Guard

Starter: Travis Ruth, Senior

Backup: Max Copeland, Junior

Ruth can play either the guard or center position. He has played in 25 games throughout his career.

Center

Starter: Mitch Morse, Sophomore

Backup: Brad McNulty, Freshman

Morse saw most of his time on special teams last season. However, he did play in every game, and saw some time at offensive line. He earned first-team academic All-Big 12 honors last season.

Right Guard

Starter: Jack Meiners, Senior

Backup: Nick Demien, Sophomore

Meiners played in 13 games last season, starting seven at left guard. He will likely switch to the right guard position this season and looks to be a key piece in the running game.

Right Tackle

Starter: Justin Britt, Junior

Backup: Taylor Chappell, Freshman

Britt was Fisher's replacement last season at left tackle. He started all 13 games at that position. Now that Fisher is healthy, Britt will switch to the right side.

Defensive Line

Starter: Michael Sam, Junior

Backup: Kony Ealy, Sophomore

Sam is a quick defensive end, who made some big plays for the Tigers last season. With some experience under his belt, the junior should have an even bigger impact this year.

Starter: Sheldon Richardson, Junior

Backup: Jimmy Burge, Senior

Despite starting only two games, Richardson racked up 37 tackles and eight tackles for loss. He was a Big 12 honorable mention and is considered a top-150 player in the SEC by Bleacher Report.

Starter: Matt Hoch, Sophomore

Backup: Lucas Vincent, Sophomore

Hoch didn't see much action last season, but had a terrific spring, and should see significant playing time in the middle of the defensive line in 2012.

Starter: Brad Madison, Senior

Backup: Shane Ray, Freshman

Despite playing hurt for the majority of the season, Madison still managed to finish second on the team with 4.5 sacks.

Linebackers

Starter: Zaviar Gooden, Senior

Backup: Darvin Ruise, Sophomore

Gooden is an athletic linebacker, who finished third on the team with 80 tackles last season.

Starter: Will Ebner, Senior

Backup: Donovan Bonner, Junior

Ebner will be back on the field after missing all of the 2011 season due to a concussion. He was a Big 12 honorable mention in 2010, and will be a big lift for this front seven.

Starter: Andrew Wilson, Junior

Backup: Kentrell Brothers, Freshman

Wilson led the team in tackles last year with 98 and was named second-team All-Big 12.

Defensive Backs

Cornerback

Starter: E.J. Gaines, Junior

Backup: Xavier Smith, Sophomore

Gaines was a first-team All-Big 12 last season, and set a Missouri record with 18 pass break-ups in one season.

Safety

Starter: Kenronte Walker, Senior

Backup: Ian Simon, Freshman

Walker made a name for himself towards the end of last season, and continued to impress throughout the spring. He started three games and had 55 tackles and one sack.

Safety

Starter: Braylon Webb, Sophomore

Backup: Matt White, Junior

Webb started four games as a freshman, earning All-Big 12 honorable mention. He finished with 33 tackles and a forced fumble.

Cornerback

Starter: Kip Edwards, Senior

Backup: Randy Ponder, Junior

Edwards was a first-time starter last season, and finished with 55 tackles and an interception.

Specialists

Kicker

Starter: Trey Barrow, Senior

Backup: Andrew Baggett, Freshman

Barrow made seven of his nine field-goal attempts, and all 23 of his extra points.

Punter

Starter: Trey Barrow, Senior

Backup: Christian Brinser, Sophomore

He was also the punter for the Tigers, averaging 44.8 yards an attempt, and made the All-Big 12 second team.