Walk-on DE Jordan Harold to start in Mizzou's opener

By foxsports
Published

COLUMBIA, Mo. -- Jordan Harold, a walk-on junior defensive end, was among the new starters announced by Missouri on Monday for its season opener at West Virginia this weekend.

The Tigers, who will be opening on the road for the first time since 2007, will have seven new starters on offense, including senior running back Alex Ross. Also listed as the starting kick returner, Ross transferred from Oklahoma in May after returning 53 kicks for 1,363 yards and two touchdowns for the Sooners.

Harold will start opposite Charles Harris, who was named to several preseason watch lists, including the preliminary Rotary Lombardi Award list. Harold edged several returning scholarship players, including Marcell Frazier, who played in all 12 games in 2015, making three starts at defensive end. 

"There wasn't anybody out there outworking him," Missouri coach Barry Odom said of Harold, who transferred from Northwest Missouri State last year. "He's got a pretty good skillset, too. He's strong, he's powerful, and he uses his body leverage really well. I'm excited too see him go compete in a game because he's got a high competitive spirit."