Mizzou Minute: Cody Schrader Predicts Brett Norfleet to be Best Tight End in College Football

The 2023 SEC leading rusher had some high praise for his former teammate.

In his freshman season, Mizzou tight end Brett Norfleet led the way and created opportunities while blocking for running back Cody Schrader. Now, Schrader is returning the favor and seems to be passing the torch to Norfleet to be one of Mizzou's offensive leaders.

This week at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Schrader did not shy away from praising the tight end, predicting that he will soon be the best tight end in all of college football.

Norfleet, a four-star recruit out of Francis Howell High School, started contributing as soon as he arrived in Columbia. In his true freshman season, he racked up 18 receptions for 197 yards and three touchdowns. Norfleet's best performance of the season came In Missouri's 48-14 blowout of Arkansas in the final week of the season where he caught three passes for 32 yards and three touchdowns.

Norfleet arguably made an even more important contribution in the run game as he consistently did the dirty work of blocking elite SEC defensive ends. Missouri offensive coordinator Kirby Moore praised the tight ends physicality during October of last season.

“He’s got a very bright future," Moore said. "He is physical for a freshman at the point of attack. In terms of the pass game, has really strong hands, good hand-eye coordination.”

For the 2024 season, Norfleet will be joined by another St. Louis area tight end in Whit Hafer. The three-star recruit shares Norfleet's 6-foot-7 height and was listed as the No. 17 tight end recruit in the class of 2024.

Norfleet and the rest of Missouri football is already preparing for the 2024 season with spring practices underway. The spring game is set for March 16.

The Cody Schrader Story Adds a New Chapter at NFL Scouting Combine