Texas A&M Aggies vs. Missouri: Tigers' Defensive Players to Watch

The Missouri Tigers bring a lot to the table on defense as well as offense, leaving the Texas A&M Aggies with their hands full on trying to contain some of their opponent's stars at home.

Aug 29, 2024; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Missouri Tigers cornerback Toriano Pride Jr. (2) celebrates after scoring against the Murray State Racers on a pick six during the first half at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium. / Denny Medley-Imagn Images

If the high-powered offense that the Texas A&M Aggies are going to have to face in Week 6 wasn't enough, the Missouri Tigers bring quite a lot to the table on defense as well.

Last season, it was both sides of the ball that got the Tigers into the top 10 and the Cotton Bowl to face off against the Ohio State Buckeyes. This season, it's the same tune. The Tigers have strong offensive weapons but also boast a defense that can off the field.

When the Tigers head to Kyle Field, the Aggies will have to play their best to come out with a win, meaning strong offense and stellar defense. That won't be an easy task, but they're certainly going to try, though standing in their way will be Missouri's defense.

Here are three names to know on that squad:

Toriano Pride Jr., Cornerback

After transferring from Clemson for his junior season, Pride Jr. aimed to make an immediate impact for the Missouri Tigers. So far this season, he's done that, recording the first interception of the season for the Black & Gold. He hasn't been as impactful since that first game, but it doesn't mean he's counted out, and if Marcel Reed — or Conner Weigman — isn't careful, he could grab his second.

Marvin Burks Jr., Safety

Joining Pride in the secondary is standout star Marvin Burks Jr. On the season, the second-year Tiger leads his team in tackles on top of nabbing an interception. He'll likely wreak havoc on the Aggies' receivers as much as he can, which could make for a long day for them, and whoever gets the start at quarterback.

Johnny Walker Jr., Defensive Line

Walker Jr. found the quarterback five times last season. For any one player, that's certainly a feat, but add on the fact that he wasn't the team leader in sacks, and it gets a little more daunting. Walker Jr. is now in his fourth season with the Tigers and so far, has recorded eight tackles and a sack.

With as motivated as Missouri is to calm the crowd at Kyle Field down, one way to do it might just be to get past the Aggies' offensive line, where Walker could get his second.