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Most important position: Receiver  Why: Missouri's four reception leaders are gone -- receivers Bud Sasser (77 receptions), Jimmie Hunt (40), Darius White (30) and running back Marcus Murphy (28). The next highest pass-catcher who happens to be returning is tight end Sean Culkin. The names of the top returning Missouri receivers who have recorded collegiate receptions are largely unknown to SEC country: sophomore Nate Brown (five catches), senior Wesley Leftwich (three) and sophomore J'Mon Moore (two).
Beyond those three names, there are several freshmen and inexperienced players on the Tigers' depth chart. Preseason training camp will determine who quarterback Maty Mauk gets to throw to this season, whether it's Brown, Leftwich and Moore or younger names like redshirt freshman DeSean Blair, Keyon Dilosa, Thomas Richard or Raymond Wingo. Blair had a quality spring for Mizzou, Dilosa missed last season because of an injury and Wingo is a former cornerback who switched to offense in spring football. Perhaps some of Missouri's true freshmen, like four-star prospect Richaud Floyd or three-star signees Emanuel Hall, Johnathon Johnson or Justin Smith could fight for a spot in the rotation come camp time. There will be plenty of catches up for grabs with Mizzou's most experienced receivers gone; who will claim those catches remains to be seen. Answering that question and solidifying the passing attack to pair with what should be once again a solid ground game will be important in order for the Tigers to contend for a third consecutive SEC East championship.
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