Missouri secured a significant addition from the transfer portal on Monday, as former Michigan State defensive lineman Zion Young joined the Tigers’ ranks. The 6-foot-5, 226-pound prospect hailing from Westlake High School in Atlanta, Ga., brings a formidable edge to Missouri’s defensive lineup. Young, ranked as the consensus No. 77 edge rusher in the 2022 class and the No. 108 prospect in the state, bolsters Missouri’s defensive arsenal.
Young becomes the 11th transfer to join Missouri’s roster, alongside fellow defensive linemen Chris McClellan from Florida and Sterling Webb from New Mexico State. With the departure of starting defensive lineman Darius Robinson to the 2024 NFL Draft, Young’s arrival fills a crucial gap in Missouri’s defensive front.
Despite the promising addition, Young faces stiff competition to establish himself in Missouri’s lineup. He will contend with existing team members, incoming transfers, and recruits for a coveted spot on the depth chart. Notably, Missouri recently experienced a setback with the decommitment of Isaiah Hastings, who opted to join Syracuse less than an hour after announcing his decision to leave Missouri.
While the reason behind Hastings’ departure remains undisclosed, speculation points to changes within the coaching staff. Edge rushers/defensive line coach Kevin Peoples, whom Hastings thanked in his announcement, departed for LSU alongside former Mizzou defensive coordinator Blake Baker. Despite these challenges, Missouri’s head coach Eli Drinkwitz and his team continue to demonstrate their keen eye for talent, actively seeking to fortify the team’s roster amidst evolving circumstances.