MOBILE, AL - FEBRUARY 02: A Missouri Tigers helmet sits on the ground during the Reese's Senior Bowl practice session on February 2, 2002 at Hancock Whitney Stadium in Mobile, Alabama. (Photo by Michael Wade/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The Mizzou football squad welcomes Sterling Webb from St. Louis and running back Nate Noel via the transfer portal.
COLUMBIA, Mo. — Missouri’s football program had an active weekend in recruiting and the transfer portal, with another St. Louis native returning to his home state as a notable addition.
Defensive tackle Sterling Webb committed to Mizzou after visiting the school on Sunday. Webb, who excelled as a two-way lineman at Westminster Christian Academy, had an impressive senior season, tallying a team-high 28 tackles and seven sacks, earning a spot on the Post-Dispatch All-Metro team. After playing two seasons at New Mexico State, where he recorded 30 tackles and 4½ sacks this year, the 6-foot-2, 295-pound lineman is set to bolster Missouri’s defensive line.
Joining Webb is experienced running back Nate Noel, transferring from Appalachian State. Noel, who amassed over 3,000 rushing yards in four seasons, appeared in 11 games this year, despite battling an ankle injury. His standout performance included a career-high 193 rushing yards, including a 68-yard touchdown run against Eastern Carolina. Noel, standing at 5 feet 10 inches and weighing 185 pounds, brings depth and skill to Missouri’s backfield.
Missouri’s efforts in the transfer portal aim to fill the void left by departing players, including those heading to the NFL. With the departure of defensive tackle Jayden Jernigan, Realus George Jr., and Josh Landry, Webb will contribute to the defensive tackle rotation. Meanwhile, Noel’s arrival shores up the backfield following the departure of standout running back Cody Schrader and veteran Nathaniel Peat.
The coaching transition, marked by defensive coordinator Blake Baker’s departure, hasn’t deterred Missouri’s recruiting efforts. DJ Smith, the co-defensive coordinator and recruiting lead, provides stability amid the changes.
In addition to transfer acquisitions, Missouri secured commitments from incoming freshmen, including three-star athlete Trajen Greco from Houschton, Georgia. While Greco showcased versatility in high school, he’s expected to transition to a defensive back role for the Tigers, adding size to their defensive unit.
Missouri’s 2024 recruiting class now boasts 21 recruits, with the majority signing their letters of intent in January. The Tigers’ freshman class ranks 22nd nationally and 10th in the Southeastern Conference, factoring in new conference additions Texas and Oklahoma.
Notably, Missouri’s recruiting efforts were evident at the Saturday All-American game, with recruits like safety Jackson Hancock and wide receiver Courtney Crutchfield joining Greco. Edge rusher Williams Nwaneri, the nation’s top defensive prospect, participated in an earlier postseason showcase.
