What Do Mizzou Football Transfer Losses Mean for the Roster?

Three football Tigers declared their moves before the portal opened. How does Mizzou fill these positions?

While Mizzou supporters prepare for what could be another thrilling round of transfer recruitment when the site reopens on April 15, we already know that at least three current Tigers will soon become former Tigers. Ryan Hoerstkamp (tight end), Ky Montgomery (defensive lineman), and Michael Cox (running back) all stated their intention to enter the transfer portal and play football somewhere next fall.

Will these departures affect how Eli Drinkwitz and his staff approach the upcoming transfer window? Let’s take a look at each departing player and the roster hole they leave to see if the coaches will need to address those areas in light of the departures.

The Horse

Former four-star tight end Ryan Hoerstkamp was Eli Drinkwitz’s first high school recruiting commitment in his first full recruiting class in 2021. The Washington, Mo. native played in four games as a true freshmen and nine games as a redshirt freshman in 2022. However, the former blue-chipper never turned into a serious pass catching threat, only tallying two catches on two targets in his career.

Last year saw Hoerstkamp fall down the depth chart behind two promising freshmen in Brett Norfleet and blocking tight end Jordon Harris and he never saw the field. With Norfleet and Harris only developing further, and fellow tight end Tyler Stephens returning for his fifth year of eligibility, Hoerstkamp found himself fourth on the depth chart and decided to move on to another program where he might find more playing time.

Hoerstkamp is the second tight end to leave Mizzou recently, following Max Whisner’s transfer to Akron during the winter transfer window. This leaves five tight ends on the roster: the aforementioned Norfleet, Harris, and Stephens, walk-on Tucker Miller, and incoming freshman Whit Hafer. With Norfleet established as the starter and at least two proven, experienced back-ups, I don’t expect the Mizzou coaching staff to spend much time looking for another tight end. The position is not in need of depth, and it will be difficult (and probably stupid) to recruit over Norfleet, who exhibited agility and playmaking ability as a freshman that Mizzou hasn’t seen from a tight end since perhaps Michael Egnew more than a

Empty Monty

The What-Ifs abound with Ky Montgomery, the Tigers’ second portal loss this spring. Like Hoerstkamp, Montgomery was part of the Drinkwitz’s heralded 2021 recruiting class, which put him on the map as a serious recruiting contender in the SEC. Unfortunately, the four-star recruit from Indianapolis suffered injury after injury during his three years in Columbia and was never once able to step foot on the field.

Montgomery was recruited as an EDGE player and spent his time rehabilitating from injuries by packing on more than 50 pounds to his already massive body. Montgomery was initially introduced to Tiger fans during the Black & Gold game in March, where he was seen lining up on the defensive line. Unfortunately, that will be the last time Mizzou fans see Montgomery in black and gold, now that he has entered the portal.

With the coaches bringing in two transfer portal players on the interior defensive line, Sterling Webb and Chris McClellan, to join mainstay Kristian Williams, Montgomery was unlikely to see much action, barring injury. Unfortunately, injuries are common, particularly with trench players, and Montgomery’s loss reduces Al Davis’ defensive line depth. Prior to Montgomery’s departure, I advocated for more defensive line recruitment through transfer portals. This setback emphasizes the need for deeper depth in the defensive trenches. I assume Drinkwitz, Davis, and crew will make a number of calls to defensive lineman as soon as they enter the portal on Monday.