Missouri Football Preparing to Invade Mobile for Senior Bowl

The City of Mobile might want to post a Tigers warning, because there's going to be a bunch of them descending on the area in early 2024. 

Friday morning, linebacker Ty'Ron Hopper announced that he had accepted an invitation to play in the upcoming Senior Bowl, the premier all-star game for former collegiate players looking to be selected in the NFL Draft. 

He's the fourth Mizzou football player to say yes to playing in the game set for February 3, 2024 at South Alabama's Hancock Whitney Stadium, and participating the weeklong job interview with NFL scouts, teams officials and coaches. The "American" and "National" sides are led by the staffs of two league teams that missed the playoffs. 

The other three are cornerbacks Kris Abrams-Draine and Ennis Rakestraw, and defensive end Darius Robinson.

Although slowed by an ankle injury, Hopper played in 10 games during the regular season and was credited with 55 tackles, including six for a loss and three sacks. He also had six pressures and broke up three passes. His 5.5 tackles per game average led the Tigers. 

The team co-captain was a semifinalist for the Butkus Award, and also up for the Bednarik and Nagurski honors best defensive player. 

After transferring from Florida, Hopper finished the 2022 season with 77 total tackles with 13.5 for a loss, 2.5 sacks, four pass deflections, an interception, and a forced fumble. He was named second team All-SEC by media, and preseason second-team All-SEC before his final season.  

Players can accept invitations at any time. Also on the Senior Bowl "Watch List" for the 2024 game include wide receiver Theo Wease Jr., defensive lineman Darius Robinson, running back Nathaniel Peat, offensive linemen Cam'Ron Johnson and Javon Foster, defensive back Joseph Charleston and Jaylon Carlies, and linebacker Chad Bailey.

Its regular season complete, Mizzou (10-2) will find out its bowl destination on Sunday.