If one thing is clear after the final open fall practice for the Mizzou football team, it’s that if the depth chart is set, the team doesn’t know it, and that includes the quarterback(s).
“We haven’t said he’s(Lock) the starter,” explained head coach Barry Odom. “He’s got the opportunity to play at a high level, as does Marvin (Zanders).”
After Maty Mauk was removed from his starting role, and eventually the team last year, Lock threw the remainder of the passes for the Tigers. Lock is regarded as kid with NFL potential, at least at some point. But the coaching staff is making him earn every opportunity he gets, and if that means sharing snaps, Lock is OK with it.
“I did it a little bit last year,” declared Lock on sharing snaps. “If it’s gonna help us win football games, I could give two you know what’s. 5-7 isn’t gonna happen again this year, and if that helps us, so be it.”
Lock’s numbers last year certainly resembled that of a true frosh. 49% completion percentage. Underwater in his TD/INT ratio. And more hits and knockdowns than you can shake a stick at. But the adversity that Lock went through last year built some character, and it’s that character that may help develop some crucial leadership on the field.
“You have to have experience to become a leader. I feel like a pretty rough experience last year to where people know that I’ve been through it. I think everyone knows now that I’m gonna fight through it all when I need to.”
Whether it’s Lock or Lock/Zanders, #3 on your roster is going to need to make huge strides this year for the Tigers. If he has sidekick in Zanders along for the ride, it won’t be the first time the Tigers play two QB’s: Brad Smith/Chase Daniel, and James Franklin/Maty Mauk worked out just fine. Now the only question, will Lock/Zanders join the group of successful Tiger QB duos?
CLICK Audio Player above to hear Drew Lock’s comments
