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BenFred: Mizzou's false start undermines recruiting in St. Louis

Related Topics: DeMontie Cross, False start

DeMontie Cross’ stint as Missouri’s defensive coordinator fizzled before it reached 21 months.

One passionate quote he delivered before his dismissal still stings.

It was Cross’ boss, Tigers coach Barry Odom, who made public the program’s hope of capitalizing on a rising crop of Missouri high school football talent, the best of whom are rooted in the St. Louis area.

The recruiting experts, quick to cite the state’s recent talent droughts, agreed this was a bumper year.

But Cross, who proved to be a better quote than coordinator, truly hammered home the opportunity that coincided with the signing day he would not be around to see.