Nov 11, 2017; Columbia, MO, USA; Missouri Tigers quarterback Drew Lock (3) throws a pass during the first half against the Tennessee Volunteers at Faurot Field. Photo Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Missouri has its starting quarterback locked in for one more year.
Drew Lock is staying with the Tigers for his final year after he considered taking the plunge into the 2018 NFL draft, the school announced Tuesday.
As a junior in 2017, Lock led the Southeastern Conference with 304.9 passing yards per game and set school and SEC records with 44 touchdown passes while throwing 13 interceptions.
“I’m very excited to be coming back for my senior year, and I’m really optimistic about what we can do as a team next season,” Lock said in a statement.
“There were a lot of factors that went into this decision, but the main ones include: a feeling of responsibility and loyalty to my coaches and teammates at Mizzou — we have goals to achieve together; having the chance to play for a new coach in (new offensive coordinator Derek Dooley), and his system that will continue to add to my development; and of course, getting my degree.”
With Lock helping to lead the way, Missouri finished with seven wins this past season and made its first bowl appearance since 2014.
Lock will join eight other returning starters next fall at Missouri. And with seven returning starters on defense, the Tigers are optimistic about 2018.
“I’m proud of Drew and his family for how they approached this decision and how they handled themselves during the process,” Missouri head coach Barry Odom said in a statement. “We were very thorough in gathering all the information possible to assist. Drew obviously has a great skill set that will continue to be developed at Mizzou.
“His leadership skills and being a great teammate are two qualities that I admire. I look forward to building our team this spring and am excited that Drew will be part of that.”
Lock and Missouri will be tested next season with a schedule that includes College Football Playoff champion Alabama as well as Florida and Tennessee on the road, and the Tigers will play host to CFP runner-up Georgia in Columbia, Mo.
