News broke from the Missouri Tigers’ training camp that Darris Smith, the highly-regarded transfer from Georgia, would miss the entire season in 2024 with an injury, according to the team and multiple sources.
The full nature of the injury was not fully disclosed, only that it was a knee injury that occurred during practice earlier in the week.
What Happened to Darris Smith?
Smith was expected to be a key contributor for the Tigers after transferring from Georgia during the December transfer window. At 6’5″ and 240 pounds, Smith has the long, lean frame that has become so popular at the edge position and, by all reports, was having a fantastic training camp before the injury occurred.
Smith was slated to rotate at one end position and his athleticism was going to be a major upgrade for the Tigers defensively. Missouri will need to look deeper down the depth chart to try and replace the production that Smith was projected to bring.
Missouri released the following statement from Coach Eli Drinkwitz updating on the injury to Smith:
“We are devastated by the injury to Darris. He was having an outstanding camp and was poised to have a great year. We will support Darris in his recovery and look forward to him returning stronger than before.”
No mention has been made as to the specificity or severity of the injury, only that it was a knee injury suffered in practice on Tuesday.
News: #Mizzou edge rusher Darris Smith will miss the entire 2024 season with a knee injury he suffered during practice yesterday, the team says.
Smith transferred in from Georgia.
— Eli Hoff (@byEliHoff) August 14, 2024
With Smith now officially out for the season, the bigger question looms for the Tigers defense: Who will replace Smith on the depth chart for Missouri as they enter the 2024 season?
Zion Young, Johnny Walker Are Next Up At DE For Missouri.
Zion Young will likely remain the starter at one end, with Johnny Walker Jr. on the opposite side.
Missouri will need to dig deeper for depth at the position, and it is expected that Joe Moore and Eddie Kelly will be the ones to provide that depth.
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The big loss of Smith as a key situational rusher may be something the Tigers have to scheme around, as his frame and athleticism are very hard to replace.
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