Depth Charge

What might be strictly a motivational move and some expected moves that could effect the depth for the season opener against Illinois were the news of the day as Missouri returned to the practice field early Monday morning.

In lieu of handing out an official new depth chart, MU Coach Gary Pinkel instructed sports information officer Chad Moller to inform the media that senior Jared Perry had been dropped to No. 2 at the X receiver.

Considering Perry lined up No. 1 for stretching exercises - and that's done in order of a player's position on the depth chart - that move may be merely motivational. Perry had a rough scrimmage on Saturday. His muffed reception led to an interception of Blaine Gabbert.

Still, when the No. 1 offense headed into its first unit drills, sophomore Jerrell Jackson lined up at Perry's old spot, having moved from a backup to Danario Alexander at the H receiver.

Alexander and Wes Kemp retained their No. 1 receiver positions in that drill.

Other moves, confirmed by Moller, appeared to carry more teeth.

At quarterback, Jimmy Costello and Blaine Dalton shared snaps with the No. 2 offense. That is likely a reward for what Dalton did in the scrimmage rather than a demotion for Costello. Call them co-No. 2s for now.

The defensive secondary was full of changes.

At cornerback Trey Hobson replaced Kip Edwards at No. 2 on one side while Robert Steeples moved past Munir Prince at No. 2 on the other side.

At free safety, Jasper Simmons moved up to a co-No. 2 with Del Howard.

At weakside linebacker behind pre-season All-American Sean Weatherspoon, true freshman Donovan Bonner jumped from fourth team to No. 2. That move actually was a leap of only one player, Tyler Crane. Josh Tatum, who had been listed at No. 3, has not practiced yet in August and may be headed for a medical redshirt request.

Jack Meiners, another true freshman, made a similar leap at offensive right tackle behind starter Dan Hoch. Meiners jumped over Daniel Jenks and Kirk Lakebrink.