Mizzou Football Recruiting: 3-star TE Whit Hafer starts 24 class

#Chase2Dre4ms? It’s… something!

But regardless of what we think of the 2024 recruiting hashtag, it spells good news for Eli Drinkwitz and his staff — the course itself is underway.

Amid the Georgia hardwood dominated by Mizzou, Drinkwitz decided to make news by sending his first at-bat signal in 24.

It didn’t take long to learn that for the second year in a row, an in-state tight end will be the first to join the program. Seventeen minutes after Drink’s scrimmage, Joplin tight end Whit Hafer announced the Tigers as his first class.

Whit (I learned because of Gabe DeArmond) is born True Son, the son of former Mizzou Basketball alumnus Jeff Hafer. Now he gets the chance to build his own path in CoMo.

Home town: Joplin, Mo.

High school: Joplin

Station: THE

Ht/Wt: 6’7″, 230 lbs

Ranking of competitors: 5.5, 3 stars

247 Combined ranking: Not in use

Total announced offers: Four

Pay attention to the offers: Kansas, Kansas State, UNLV

High school’s strict publication prevents highlights? I’m all for it.

Hafer’s biggest attribute at this point is his physicality. The 6’7”, 230-pound rising senior is practically an extra lineman at Joplin High School at this point…albeit one who also has a nice jump shot and steady hands. He’s a willing blocker that’s essential in Drinkwitz’s offense, but to really thrive as a pass catcher, he’ll probably need to add some speed. But given Mizzou’s issues on the line, you never say no to a willing blocker with a few extra tools in his bag.

Welcome, Whit! Here are many more possible joining opportunities! MIZ!