Tag: Missouri

Texans host Missouri DB Ennis Rakestraw Jr. before NFL Draft

With the NFL Draft approaching, the Texans recently hosted Missouri DB Ennis Rakestraw Jr for an in-person visit.

With the NFL draft a week from Thursday, teams are scrambling to get as much information on prospects as possible. The Houston Texans have been knocking out the top 30 visits for weeks, adding another top prospect to the list on Monday.

Houston recently hosted Missouri defensive back Ennis Rakestraw Jr., according to Bleacher Report’s Ryan Fowler.

Rakestraw spent four years at Missouri and became one of the premier corners in the 2024 draft class. In his final season with the Tigers, Rakestraw allowed 197 yards and one touchdown on 28 targets thrown by opponents.

Rakestraw recorded the fifth-highest run defense grade among draft-eligible defensive backs, according to Pro Football Focus. 

A native of Duncanville, the 5-foot-11 and 183 pounds displayed the ability to play in the slot or outside during his time in Columbia. Last month at the combine, Rakestraw posted a 40-time of 4.51 seconds with a 1.54 10-yard split.

Most draft analysts project Rakestraw to be a second-round pick, and with two picks in the opening round, Houston may call the SEC corner. 

Houston continues its search for a long-term corner opposite Derek Stingley Jr. The Texans took chances on former first-round picks Jeff Okudah and CJ Henderson in free agency, but both are only signed to one-year deals.

With uncertainty opposite Stingley, Houston is likely to take a few shots at the position during the draft. Since being named general manager, Nick Caserio has also drafted at least one defensive back in two of his three classes. 

Rakestraw joins Canadian Football League DB Qwan’Tez Stiggers, Auburn’s Jaylin Simpson and Georgia’s Javon Bullard as the defensive backs the Texans have brought in for 30 visits. 

Caserio values in-person visits with potential prospects. Last year, the Texans hosted 28 players before the draft and selected five of them with their nine draft picks, including Offensive Rookie of the Year C.J. Stroud and Defensive Rookie of the Year Will Anderson Jr. 

The Texans own nine picks entering next week’s draft, including two selections in the second round at No. 42 and No. 59.

PFF identifies a popular draft riser as a top Day 2 target for the Saints

PFF identified a popular draft riser as a top Day 2 target for the Saints. How could Missouri defensive lineman Darius Robinson help the team?

There’s a ton of intrigue surrounding the New Orleans Saints as they finish preparing for the 2024 draft, but we’ve got a good idea about their plans in the first round: necessity is almost forcing them into adding an offensive tackle between Ryan Ramczyk’s health concerns and Trevor Penning’s too-slow development. So what’s more interesting is to consider their options in the second round.

Pro Football Focus’ Dalton Wasserman has a suggestion: Missouri Tigers defensive lineman Darius Robinson. It’s no secret that the Saints didn’t bring enough pressure on opposing quarterbacks last year, but Wasserman writes that Wasserman could help improve there while also upgrading a sneaky-bad New Orleans run defense:

“The Saints need defensive line help, and Missouri’s Darius Robinson could be a versatile target for the team. Robinson played on the edge in 2023 but has plenty of experience inside and could be better suited there. Either way, his strength in the run game and improved pass-rush ability would strengthen New Orleans’ defensive line.”

While Robinson mainly lined up inside against guards earlier in his career (logging 581 of his 762 snaps in the B gap in 2021 and 2022) he moved outside in 2023 and responded with career-highs in sacks (8.5) and total quarterback pressures (27, per PFF charting). The Saints use a ton of three-man fronts and he offers flexibility as someone who can play inside or out. He stood out in practices at the Senior Bowl this year and did well at the NFL Scouting Combine, though his numbers in agility drills were a little underwhelming.

And he certainly has the size they’ve looked for under head coach Dennis Allen. Robinson weighed in at an impressive 6-foot-5 and 285 pounds, with his 34.5-inch arms giving him a rare wingspan. If he was playing football 15 or 20 years ago he’d probably have been moved to offensive tackle. Instead, he uses his size to his advantage. Robinson’s 7.72 Relative Athletic Score doesn’t meet the thresholds that line up with the Saints’ usual standards, but it’s close enough to keep him in consideration with the 45th pick.

If the Saints can address their offensive line early on in the first round, maybe they can afford the luxury of drafting a defender like Robinson in the second round. Checking off that highest priority right away would free them up to look into other team needs like the defensive line and receiving corps (and we should remember they aren’t limited to wideouts; a pass-catching tight end could do well in this offense, too). With so many picks at their disposal in the later rounds, it shouldn’t shock anyone to see the Saints act aggressively to trade up for someone they value highly earlier in the draft. Maybe it’s someone like Robinson.

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Missouri girls basketball team’s winning streak reaches 131 games; has not lost since February 2020

Incarnate Word girls basketball stretched its winning streak to 131 games as it won the championship. It has not lost a game in four years.

Many, many things about life have changed since February 2020, but one thing remains the same: Incarnate Word girls basketball wins. And wins. And wins.

Last weekend, the Red Knights won the Class 6 girls basketball championship, extending their winning streak to an unbelievable 131 games. The last time they lost was Feb. 8, 2020, a four-year stretch for the high school athlete.

It’s the team’s seventh championship in a row.

Incarnate Word’s Abbie Sextro (35) holds the championship trophy following a Class 6 state championship girls basketball game between Kickapoo and Incarnate Word, Saturday, March 16, 2024, at Mizzou Arena in Columbia, Mo.

This one was particularly special, as Incarnate Word played with the mantra “win for Dan” after head coach Dan Rolfes was hospitalized after suffering what was described as a medical emergency the night before, according to MaxPreps and the St. Louis American.

Incarnate Word forced 18 turnovers in the 53-43 win over Kickapoo (Springfield, Mo.). Kaylynn Janes, who never lost a game in her career, scored 16 points, while Peyton Hill led the team with 17. Nevaeh Caffey recorded a line of seven points, 10 rebounds and four steals, according to the STL American.

The Red Knights finished this season 31-0. The year before, they went 32-0. In both the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons, they posted a record of 29-0, which takes us to their most recent loss, the 2019-20 season, in which they went 27-4. After that loss on Feb. 8, 2020, Incarnate Word won the final 10 games, including the championship.

The entire run has been spectacular—a 28-2 championship season in 2019; a title run in 2018 saved by an overtime victory in the semifinals as the team went 28-5; a record of 27-4 the year before, and in 2016, a 28-5 season that ended in the semifinals.

But that 2016 game was just a blip, as they had won three straight titles from 2012-13 through 2014-15.

According to MaxPreps, the Red Knights broke the Missouri consecutive wins of 124 on Feb. 12. Rolfes won his 700th game as a coach in the quarterfinals.

Incarnate Word fans hold up signs honoring head coach Dan Rolfes, Saturday, March 16, 2024, at Mizzou Arena in Columbia, Mo. Rolfes experienced a medical emergency following a semifinal game Friday and was unable to coach the championship game.

Lady Vols shut out Missouri to complete series sweep

Lady Vols shut out Missouri to complete series sweep.

No. 8 Tennessee (22-4, 3-0 SEC) defeated No. 11 Missouri (23-6, 2-4 SEC), 4-0, Sunday at Sherri Parker Lee Stadium.

Sunday’s win is Tennessee’s 14th consecutive win.

Tennessee hit three home run in the series finale against the Tigers.

Laura Mealer hit a solo home run in the second inning to give the Lady Vols a 1-0 lead.

McKenna Gibson hit a two-run home run in the fourth inning and Kiki Milloy hit a solo home run in the fifth inning for the Lady Vols.

Milloy went 2-for-2 nd recorded two runs, two stolen bases and one RBI, while Gibson went 2-for-3 in the contest.

Karlyn Pickens (12-2) pitched a complete game, three-hit shutout. She allowed one walk and recorded 11 strikeouts.

Lady Vols win series against Missouri

Tennessee softball wins series against Missouri.

No. 8 Tennessee (21-4, 2-0 SEC) defeated No. 11 Missouri (22-5, 2-3 SEC), 8-2, Saturday at Sherri Parker Lee Stadium.

The Lady Vols completed a Southeastern Conference series win against Missouri.

Tennessee also won its 13th consecutive contest and improved to 10-0 at home in 2024.

Taylor Pannell went 1-for-4 and hit a grand slam, while Bella Faw went 1-for-3 and hit a home run and scored three runs for Tennessee. Faw hit a home run in her second consecutive game.

Kiki Milloy went 1-for-3, recording three runs and one double, while McKenna Gibson went 2-for-3 and totaled two RBIs and one run.

Payton Gottshall (8-2) pitched a complete game for Tennessee. She allowed two runs, three hits and seven walks, while recording 10 strikeouts.

Tennessee’s Giulia Koutsoyanopulos (27) is tagged out at second during a game between Tennessee and Missouri in Sherri Parker Lee Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., Saturday, March 16, 2024. Caitie McMekin/USA TODAY Network

Lady Vols run-rule Missouri in SEC opener

Tennessee opens conference play with run-rule victory against Missouri.

No. 8 Tennessee (20-4, 1-0 SEC) defeated No. 11 Missouri (22-4, 2-2 SEC), 9-0 in five innings, Friday at Sherri Parker Lee Stadium.

The Lady Vols scored seven runs in the first inning en route to earning its 11th consecutive win.

Giulia Koutsoyanopulos went 1-for-2 and hit a grand slam, while Bella Faw hit a home run for Tennessee in its SEC opener.

Kiki Milloy went 2-for-3 and recorded two doubles and one run, while Taylor Pannell went 2-for-3 and totaled one RBI and one run for the Lady Vols.

Karlyn Pickens pitched a five-inning complete game for the Lady Vols. She allowed two hits and one walk, while recording five strikeouts.

Angelina Alcantar/USA TODAY Network

No. 20 Lady Vols sweep Missouri

Lady Vols tennis sweeps Missouri.

No. 20 Tennessee defeated Missouri, 4-0, on Sunday at Country Club of Missouri in Columbia, Missouri.

“Our team got better today,” Tennessee head coach Alison Ojeda said. “We faced a lot of different situations and we came out on the plus side in all of them. Mentally and emotionally we are tough.”

Tennessee-Missouri tennis results

Singles

1. Mae Canete (MIZ) vs. #23 Sofia Cabezas (TENN) UF 6-3 3-6
2. Inah Canete (MIZ) vs. Elza Tomase (TENN) UF 7-6, 7-6
3. Alana Wolfberg (TENN) def. Gabriela Martinez (MIZ) 6-1 6-3
4. #94 Catherine Aulia (TENN) def. Emelie Schwarte (MIZ) 6-2 6-3
5. Andrea Artimedi (MIZ) vs. Lauren Anzalotta (TENN) UF
6 Leyla Britez Risso (TENN) def. Roma Cardenas Rifka (MIZ) 6-0 6-2

Order of finish: (6,4,3)

Doubles

1. #24 Inah Canete and Mae Canete (MIZ) vs. #40 Sofia Cabezas and Elza Tomase (TENN) UF 2-5
2. Lauren Anzalotta and Catherine Aulia (TENN) def. Roma Cardenas Rifka and Gabriela Martinez (MIZ) 6-2
3. Eleonora Molinaro and Leyla Britez Risso (TENN) def. Andrea Artimedi and Emelie Schwarte (MIZ) 6-2

Order of finish: (3,1,2)

10 defensive backs for the Ravens to watch at the 2024 NFL combine

We’re looking at ten defensive backs for the Baltimore Ravens to watch during the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine

The Ravens are in Indianapolis for the NFL combine, and GM Eric DeCosta will be front and center to watch the defensive backs and tight ends work out.

Cornerback depth will be a massive priority for Baltimore, and there will be changes this offseason with Ronald Darby, Arthur Maulet, and Rock-Ya-Sin all pending free agents.

With Day 2 of on-field workouts set to begin, we’re looking at ten defensive backs for the Ravens to watch.

10 defensive backs for the Eagles to watch at the 2024 NFL combine

We’re looking at ten defensive backs for the Philadelphia Eagles to watch during the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine

Defensive back depth is a massive priority for the Eagles, and that’ll be the position to watch on Friday at the NFL Scouting Combine.

Howie Roseman is looking to retool the roster following Philadelphia’s historic collapse, finishing the season 1-6 after a 10-1 start.

There could be decisions on cornerbacks Darius Slay and James Bradberry in the coming days, while the Eagles only have two safeties on the roster after releasing Kevin Byard.

With Day 2 of on-field workouts set to begin, we’re looking at ten defensive backs for Philadelphia to watch.

Missouri DE Darius Robinson calls Andy Reid the GOAT at the 2024 NFL Combine

Missouri DE Darius Robinson told reporters at the 2024 NFL Combine that he thinks #Chiefs head coach Andy Reid is the GOAT.

The prospects have taken over Indianapolis for the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine, featuring the best young talent showcasing their talents in front of team scouts ahead of April’s NFL Draft. The Kansas City Chiefs’ success over the past few seasons has influenced many college players who are ready to make the professional leap.

The University of Missouri’s proximity to the franchise could influence how the Chiefs evaluate prospects. Tigers star defensive end Darius Robinson didn’t hold back his admiration for the franchise, especially the coaching staff telling reporters at his combine press conference they were the greatest of all time.

“It was a great interview,” Robinson said. “Seeing Andy Reid, he’s a GOAT. The DC (Steve Spagnuolo) is the GOAT. The D-line coach (Andy Heck) is the GOAT; they have a great program over there.”

Robinson stood out during his time with Missouri, finishing his senior season with 29 solo tackles, 8.5 sacks, and a forced fumble. He is listed as a defensive end but is proud of his versatility to potential lineup at tackle.

“I can play every position,” said Robinson, “I can play the zero to the nine. I’m physical, I’m going to run, I’m going to hit somebody. I can do everything. I just want an opportunity to put my cleats to the ground and play as fast as I can.”

Robinson greatly respects All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones, and the Chiefs could be tempted to pair the duo on the already talented defensive line. Robinson, who has been potentially targeted by his hometown team, the Detroit Lions, explained that he’d be excited to stay close to school if selected by the Chiefs.

“That’d be awesome; I love Mizzou, man,” said Robinson. “That’s my second home. I tell people, I’m from Michigan and Missouri.”

The Chiefs select last in the first round at number 32 with other needs on the roster. Robinson is projected to be off the board by then, possibly unless a trade is in the works.