Mizzou Minute: Analyzing the Tigers’ Recently Appointed Defensive Coordinator
The Missouri Tigers are poised to bring on Corey Batoon, formerly the defensive coordinator at South Alabama, to assume the same role in Columbia. Following Blake Baker’s move to LSU earlier this month, Eli Drinkwitz swiftly secured Batoon as his replacement.
Batoon has an extensive coaching background, having served as both a coordinator and positional coach at various locations nationwide, including Hawaii, Liberty, and Florida Atlantic.
During his three-year tenure with the South Alabama Jaguars in Mobile, Batoon’s defensive units consistently ranked among the top thirty in the nation, reaching as high as fifteenth in the 2023 season.
The hiring of Batoon suggests a promising development for the Tigers, as he brings a wealth of experience and inherits what could be considered the most talented group he has coached at Missouri. The Tigers have been active in the transfer portal, securing players like former 4-stars Darris Smith from Georgia and Toriano Pride, Jr. from Clemson. Additionally, key returning talents like Joseph Charleston and Chuck Smith, who were among the team’s top tacklers in 2023, add to the defensive prowess.
Furthermore, the coaching staff’s successful recruitment efforts include landing 5-star edge rusher Williams Nwaneri and 4-star defensive lineman Jaylen Brown.
Following one of the program’s best seasons in history, Missouri has high expectations for 2024, and the Tigers seem to be assembling a formidable team to meet these lofty goals.
