Things I'm looking forward to next year already

Blanton and the WRs with another year of experience could be good.

If Lock matures as a passer he could be really good. His decision making cost Mizzou a couple games this year.

In defense Frazier really finished the season strong.

Lock will be much better.

Sophomore to Junior year transitions are generally huge for QBs.

He'll figure some stuff out. It's like he's an 8 year old that's been playing Madden in HOF mode for two years. Eventually, it just clicks.

Hope you're right because he does throw so effortlessly. I think he needs to learn when to put zip on it and when to put some air under it to let his WR's run under it. If the rest comes together for him, he does have the arm.

The dropped passes have to stop. How many points were left off the scoreboard against Arkansas due to pass drops? How many games were lost over the season due to pass drops?

For the defense, my god, watch for the screen pass!

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Both guys were incredibly frustrating at times, but the numbers say there's definitely something to be excited about with them.

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No question. I think it's the frustrating times part that keeps me from truly "looking forward" to them again. IF they eliminate the frustrating parts of their game, then absolutely.

Didn't Marcus Lucas struggle with drops prior to his senior year.

I think I'll just add onto what you already said as well.

Crockett - A gift from God himself. Wastes zero time getting downhill. He finishes all of his runs going forward, unlike Witter (who had improved this season). Once this guy gets a year or two in the weight room, he'll be bulldozing people and knifing through the second level like it's nobody's business.

Garrett - This kid is simply tough as nails. Even though it was a bit cheap, watching him knock that Arky OL's teeth out was pretty cool. He gets a little too antsy in his run fits (Williams gashed us cutting back), but that's probably because he's a true freshman with nerves running and lots of adrenaline. Give him a year to settle into things and get comfortable, and he'll be the next Kentrell Brothers by his senior year (mark my words!).

OL - I want to pick out a few guys, but hell. Every guy on that OL played fantastic this season. Elarbee gets them motivated so well. Sam Bailey (the Big Show's doppleganger) and Kevin Pendleton are just old-school badasses that have a great mean streak. I was very impressed by the aggressive nature shown from Dubinski and Ploudre, too. I still can't believe that I saw Dubinski flatten Kirkland Jr. from UT like he did on Crockett's big run in the 3rd quarter. Paul Adams and Tyler Powell are simply moving walls.

Nate Strong - I was high on this guy all year, but I'm not going to lie, I've been disappointed in his performance in the last two games. Dittoing what you said, he is better running north and south than east and west. He seemed scared of contact on a few plays vs. Arky, which worries me a little bit. But if he gets an offseason under his belt, watch out. I would not want to be in front of an angry 220 pound man with his speed.

Now here's some of what you're missing:

Drew Lock - He's been stupid at times this season, but I'll be drinking the Lock kool aid now just like I have for the past two seasons. He won the Arkansas game for us. He kept us in the game with a solid WVU team on the road. His arm is one of the best I've seen in a Mizzou uniform ever. He does have some imperfections, but I think they will grow as he matures as a player and a young man.

Mason - Holy hell. I did not see this kid coming. He had some frustrating drops this year, but I still have lots of hope for the guy. Him and Garrett are the biggest steals of the 2016 class. He can get separation from just about anybody. T.J. Moe doesn't just compare anybody to J-Mac, either.

Marcell Frazier - I was very disappointed in his lack of production last year and half of this year. But I think that getting benched in favor of Jordan Harold and Spencer Williams gave him a wake up call. He's got the size, and speed to be an all-SEC talent, but now he's got the motor to go along with it, too.

Blanton - The best receiving TE we've got. I don't know about his blocking skills, but he's a red zone nightmare for defenses

Perkins - Consistent tackler for a RSFR. He's only going to get better at coverage skills, but you have to have a good run-stopping safety to compete in the SEC in my opinion.

Beisel - He's taking advantage of his opportunity. If I'm Odom, I would have a hard time not starting him next year.

I'm pretty optimistic about the future, if you haven't noticed. Let's hope that TBJ comes back the same and that J'Mon Moore grows up a little bit, and we just might have a decent 'ball team in 2017

Don't forget Terez Hall at one of the linebacker positions a guy that's not scared to lay the lumber.

A player that everybody tends to forget is wr R. Floyd who has made some nice runs after the catch in limited duty. They need to give Wingo some clock.

If Harris leaves I see Nate Howard and Tre Williams getting some time with Frazier next year.

We need to hit the JUCO circuit and find some defensive tackles that can clog up the middle to go along with Beckner if he can stay healthy. Our tackles were nonexistent this year.

Zanders need to look at running back next year to get some clock and display some of his quickness. If Strong would have gotten hurt against Arky we would have only had Ryan Williams left at rb.

We need some linebackers next year with some girth, speed to pursue and cover and stay in their gaps. I like Garret and Biesel, but only at middle linbacker.

We need a darn near total rehaul in the secondary.

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The jump from Sophomore to Junior for a QB is significant

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To be fair that is usually moving from the 1st year starting to the 2nd. Lock has already had this.