Mizzou football has announced that defensive end Darris Smith will miss the 2024 season due to a knee injury. This is a significant setback for the Tigers’ defensive line.
Impact on Missouri’s Defense
Player Profile
Darris Smith, standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 240 pounds, had played in 16 games for Georgia over his first two college football seasons. He was in contention for a starting role at defensive end for Missouri, competing with Michigan State transfer Zion Young.Defensive Line Adjustments
With Smith’s injury, the Tigers’ defensive end situation has changed:
- Johnny Walker Jr. remains as a starter on one side
- Zion Young is now likely to secure the other starting position
- Joe Moore III and Georgia Tech transfer Eddie Kelly are expected to serve as primary backups
- Redshirt freshman Jahkai Lang may see increased opportunities in the rotation
Depth and Development
The Tigers have two true freshman defensive ends, Williams Nwaneri and Jaylen Brown. However, given the experience of the players ahead of them, it’s unlikely they’ll see consistent playing time in the regular rotation.
Coach’s Perspective
Prior to Smith’s injury, head coach Eli Drinkwitz had praised the defensive end group, highlighting the performances of Young, Walker, and Smith. He noted their understanding of the system and their competitive spirit. Drinkwitz also mentioned positive contributions from Kelly, Moore, and Lang.
Smith’s Future
Despite this setback, Smith’s college career is far from over:
- He did not redshirt at Georgia, so this season will count as his redshirt year
- Smith will still have two years of eligibility remaining after 2024
Looking Ahead
The Tigers are now 15 days away from their season opener against Murray State. The team will have player availability after practice on Thursday and an open practice at Faurot Field on Saturday night, with the next media opportunity with Coach Drinkwitz scheduled for next Tuesday.
