Missouri Backers Looking To Build Off Big Seasons

These second level stars put up big numbers in 2025. Undersized, but not to be underappreciated, what prevails amongst this group is proper linebacker demeanor of physicality, intensity, toughness, and aggressiveness. Keep an eye on these new names for 2026.    [player_tooltip player_id='2144588' first='Perry' last='Nelson'] is a highly active second level tweener that delivers versatility in the box and off the edge, and is all over the field. He flies to the ball with lateral quickness, burst and reactive twitch. Nelson plays with a big motor, great effort, seeking contact and chasing the ball sideline to sideline. He uses quick feet and hips to change direction and hunt the ball carrier. He is productive versus the run and the pass and has some range. Last fall, he recorded 105 tackles, 16 TFL, 5 sacks, 4 PBU, 2 forced fumbles, was named Team Captain and has a 3.75 GPA.     [player_tooltip player_id='2144534' first='Carlos' last='Baskerville'] plays in the box and out in space with great energy and motor. His reaction to the ball stands out as he shoots gaps and spikes to the ball with an aggressive nature. He comes up big playing against the run and on the blitz, with good change of direction and physicality on contact. Baskerville racked up over 90 tackles, over 10 TFL, 4 sacks, 2 picks, 3 PBU, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery for the back to back Class 5 state champions who are on a current 28 game win streak.     [player_tooltip player_id='2144655' first='Tre'Sean' last='Mays'] plays well above his size with an intense physical nature. He shows versatility lining up in the box, over the slot and in the offensive backfield at fullback, as well as on special teams. Everything is downhill for Mays. He attacks the ball with an aggressive head of steam and malicious intent, finishing through the ball carrier. When he triggers, he is fully committed and strains hard to make a play. This heavy hitter has the backer demeanor. He was an All State player in 2025.     [player_tooltip player_id='2141792' first='Kenton' last='Hampton'] was a bright spot for his program in 2025, earning First Team All Conference, First Team All District, and Academic All State with his 3.9 GPA coming out of the 2025 season. Hampton recorded over 100 tackles, over 20 TFL, 4 sacks, 4 forced fumbles and 2 PBU. Hampton bursts downhill with his initial step and spikes to the ball with effort and aggression. He appears in multiple alignments in the box and off the edge, playing the run and dropping in coverage. He shows agility in space, closes on the ball with burst, wraps up consistently and drives through ball carriers with physicality.     [player_tooltip player_id='2144568' first='Bryce' last='Davis'] is consistently sound and plays with strong fundamentals and leverage. More of a read and react guy than burst and explosion, Davis dissects the action and then comes downhill deliberately and decisively. He shows patience and intelligence, then attacks the ball with good motor and unloads on the ball carrier with strength and physicality at the point of contact. His straight line speed was verified at 4.8x40 in the 2025 combine setting. Other reported numbers include PRs of 475 squat, 275 bench, and a 36 inch vertical. Over the fall, he recorded 101 tackles, 11 TFL, 2 picks and 2 PBU.

These second level stars put up big numbers in 2025. Undersized, but not to be underappreciated, what prevails amongst this group is proper linebacker demeanor of physicality, intensity, toughness, and aggressiveness. Keep an eye on these new names for 2026.