Eli Drinkwitz gives update on Sam Horn status following MLB Draft

Sam Horn figures to be a key piece for the future of Missouri football, so long as he doesn’t leave for the MLB before his freshman season. Horn is a four-star quarterback in the 2022 class, but was also a pitcher for Collins Hill High School (GA) and has garnered interest from MLB teams.

The 2022 MLB Draft began Sunday, and Sam Horn was at one point ranked as a top 100 prospect and top 35 pitcher according to MLB.com. However, with the first two days of the draft now complete, Horn has yet to be taken off the board.

Missouri football coach Eli Drinkwitz provided an update on the process Monday at SEC Media Days, revealing whether or not he expects Horn to be on campus this season.

“Well, Sam is currently on campus right now,” Drinkwitz said. “Just because he hasn’t been drafted doesn’t mean that he hasn’t taken phone calls. The Major League draft is a lot different than any other sport’s draft. They actually call you before and ask are you going to be willing to take this slot. Sam and his representation, his parents, have had a plan the whole time. They know what their plan is, what their worth is. They’re waiting to see if somebody wants to maybe meet that.

“But currently right now, we expect him. He was at workouts this morning. He’ll be at workouts tomorrow. But the draft is not over yet. Sam is a really talented player that’s got a great opportunity to leave his mark on Mizzou football and Mizzou baseball. We’re excited for him to come in and be the best version of himself.”

Last year’s starting quarterback, Connor Bazelak, transferred to Indiana this offseason, leaving the job wide open heading into 2022. Missouri returns backups Brady Cook and Tyler Macon, add Mississippi State grad transfer Jack Abraham and of course Horn. Any one of those players could be named the starter by the season opener on Sept. 1.

Although Horn might not have the edge in experience over his competition, he is the highest rated recruit. The Georgia native ranked as the No. 214 overall player and No. 14 quarterback in the 2022 class according to On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average. He chose to attend Missouri over offers from Florida, Florida State, Tennessee and several others.

The Tigers are coming off of a solid season that saw them go 6-7, but Drinkwitz clearly has his sights set much higher as he enters his third year. As he looks to deliver Missouri its first winning season since 2018, Horn could be a big part of the plan in the next few years.