Missouri head coach Barry Odom and defensive coordinator DeMontie Cross made a concerted effort to get the nickel back more involved this year in spring football; it is a sensible change given the involvement of slot receivers in today’s college football offense — it’s also a position Mizzou has had success with in the past — and it maximizes the depth Missouri has coming into 2017, too.
With not only the change, but also Kaleb Prewett’s star turn, suddenly Mizzou is two-deep with starter-caliber guys at each linebacker and each safety position.