No. 11 Missouri defensive end Darris Smith will miss the entire season after suffering a knee injury during practice, the Tigers coach Eli Drinkwitz announced on Wednesday. The 6-foot-5, 240-pound pass rusher was vying for a starting spot with Michigan State transfer Zion Young when he transferred to Missouri from Southeastern Conference rival Georgia, where he played in 16 games during his first two seasons.
While Johnny Walker Jr. is back at one defensive end position, the Tigers are attempting to replace Darius Robinson, an all-SEC pass rusher, on the other side of the line. Eddie Kelly, a transfer from Georgia Tech, and Joe Moore III are potential contenders for playing time.
Smith still has two years of eligibility left because he did not use a redshirt while attending Georgia.
Murray State will be the Tigers’ first-ever opponent on August 29.
