Freshman receivers surprise Mizzou staff

COLUMBIA, Mo. -- Highly regarded freshman Jeremy Maclin is lost for the season with a knee injury, but other young receivers are stepping up for Missouri.

Maclin, a Kirkwood High School standout rated among the 25 best receiver prospects in the nation by Rivals.com, tore the anterior cruciate ligament in a July 25 workout. But since his injury, two true freshmen from Texas, Danario Alexander and Jared Perry, have impressed coach Gary Pinkel and his staff.

"We just have to decide where we're going to go there," Pinkel said. "Are we going to use Perry this year? Right now, we're just not sure yet."

During the Tigers' first full scrimmage Monday, Alexander caught three passes for 31 yards while Perry grabbed two, including a 14-yard touchdown pass from Brandon Coleman. Perry's performance helped him move to No. 2 at one receiver spot, behind junior William Franklin.

Receivers coach Andy Hill knew both Alexander and Perry were talented, but he has been surprised by how quickly they have grasped the offense.

"You have to have some talent and you have to be able to make plays, but you have to know what you're doing, too," Hill said. "They're very smart kids."

It's a good thing for Missouri. In addition to the loss of Maclin, senior Brad Ekwerekwu has yet to practice while recovering from an appendectomy.

Alexander and Perry both were in Columbia for most of the summer for voluntary workouts and to get a head start at learning the offense. Alexander, who is behind Jason Ray and Greg Bracey at the other receiver position, said he was a bit overwhelmed at first.

"They put a lot of stuff on us, but we just have to go with it," he said.

Pinkel said the decision on whether to play the freshmen this season or redshirt them could come down to the final days before the season opener on Sept. 2 at home against Murray State.

Perry, who has also worked at returning punts in practice, said neither coach has talked to him about his status this season.

"For me, it really doesn't matter. Whatever I can do to help my team I'll do," Perry said.

Added Alexander: "They haven't talked to us about it at all. We just have to play hard and practice hard and do well in the scrimmages."

Missouri's next scrimmage will be Saturday at Faurot Field. Whatever is decided, Pinkel said, he sees potential in his trio of young receivers.

"That's a pretty good receiver group, those freshmen," Pinkel said. "I don't know how many stars were next to their name, but I guarantee you, they're pretty good."