Observations from Day 7 of Mizzou fall camp practice

Two defensive players caught the eye of coach Eli Drinkwitz early in practice. During a team drill, Drinkwitz went over the speakers to compliment plays from Miami transfer Malik Bryant and linebacker Dante McClellan. 

Bryant participating in the team drill is an encouraging sign for the edge rusher. During the first week of practices, he was wearing a green jersey, keeping him out of contact drills. He was wearing the standard white jersey Monday. 

Over the last two years at Miami, Bryant recorded 19 total tackles and 1½ sacks. 

Bryant's return did show again that the lineups Missouri has at edge rusher seem to be rather fluid. Even if MU doesn't have a returning standout at the position like it had in 2025, the Tigers should have plenty of competitive depth.

Competitions in the secondary continue

At cornerback, it seems as if the competition to start alongside Chris Graves Jr. remains wide open, based on the lineups the Tigers have rotated through so far in camp. Among Jahlil Florence, Sione Laulea and Nicholas DeLoach Jr., all three look as if they will have a shot to at least contribute. Junior Cam Keys could also work his way into a role. 

The two Oregon transfers, Laulea and Florence, were with the first lineup Monday. 

The competition for the starting STAR role also seems to be a consistent rotation between Michigan transfer Elijah Dotson and Auburn transfer Kensley Louidor-Faustin. Both have had their opportunities in the first lineup during practices open to the media.

According to senior safety Santana Banner, Louidor-Faustin grabbed an interception during practice Wednesday.

"Just a very, very quick DB," Banner said of Louidor-Faustin. "Like, it's actually ridiculous how quick he is, and that transfers a lot. Whether we're in man (coverage), we're in zone, ... a guy that can quickly getting in out his breaks, make plays on the ball."

Several NFL scouts were in attendance for Monday's practice, including ones from the New England Patriots, Tennessee Titans, New Orleans Saints, Cleveland Browns, New York Jets, Las Vegas Raiders and Detroit Lions. Four of those teams have selected players from Missouri in the NFL Draft over the last four years.