Part one: Missouri football’s 2024 senior spotlight

Missouri Football will celebrate its annual Senior Day at the final home game of the season, set for Nov. 30 against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Faurot Field. 

This year, the Tigers will honor a group of graduating players, including each of their five captains. This senior celebration will be the final chance for these graduates to play in Columbia.

As the day approaches, The Maneater looks at some of Missouri’s top graduates and reflects on their careers and the legacy they leave behind.

All statistics are accurate as of Missouri’s Nov. 9 win against Oklahoma

Johnny Walker Jr. (Defensive End)

Johnny Walker Jr. is the last remaining player from head coach Eliah Drinkwitz’s first recruiting class, which has produced 2024 NFL draft picks Kris Abrams-Draine and Ennis Rakestraw Jr. 

Walker’s journey to prominence was a slow burn. After redshirting in 2020, he spent his first three seasons in a rotational role, flashing potential with four career sacks.

In 2023, Walker emerged as a key player, starting opposite 2024 first-round pick Darius Robinson. The duo helped lead Missouri’s defense to the nation’s 12th-best sack total of 39. Walker’s breakout year included a standout performance in the 2023 Cotton Bowl, where he earned Defensive MVP honors after recording a sack and a forced fumble.

Entering his senior year, Walker was named team captain and promoted to the “joker” position in Missouri’s new defensive system. The joker is a hybrid defensive end known for its combination of power, speed and athleticism — traits that Walker has often showcased. Walker leads the Tigers in 2024 with 4.5 sacks and six tackles for loss so far.

Walker’s commitment to the Tigers is a modern rarity of a player sticking with a program for an entire collegiate career.

Chuck Hicks (Linebacker)

Chuck Hicks began his college career at Wyoming, where he struggled to make a significant impact over his first two seasons. In 2019, he totaled four tackles, before his production improved in 2020 with 27 tackles. Hicks took a bold step when he transferred to Missouri, leaving the Mountain West for the Southeastern Conference.

Hicks faced a setback when he failed to register a tackle during his junior season before suffering an injury during fall camp in 2022, sidelining him for the entire year. 

With the support of his teammates and wife, Hicks rebounded to become a key contributor in 2023.

Stepping in for the injured middle linebacker, Chad Bailey, Hicks finished the season with 53 tackles and 11 tackles for loss. His leadership helped Missouri field the nation’s 26th-best scoring defense, allowing an average of 20.8 points per game.

Hicks has continued to shine, now as a team captain, totaling 29 tackles through nine games so far in 2024.

Triston Newson (Linebacker)

Triston Newson’s journey to Missouri began in the junior college ranks at Northwest Mississippi Community College. He made an immediate impact, totaling 56 tackles across 14 games in his first two seasons. 

In his third year, Newson ranked No. 3 in the National Junior College Athletic Association with 107 tackles, In addition, he recorded two sacks, four forced fumbles, four pass breakups and three interceptions, earning National Junior College Athletic Association All-American First-Team honors.

Newson’s success at the junior college level earned him an opportunity to play for Missouri in 2023. He quickly proved his worth, finishing with 51 tackles. Newson capped off the season with a strong performance in the Cotton Bowl, recording 10 tackles and 2.5 tackles for loss.

Newson has continued his high level of play in 2024, ranking No. 3 on the team with 39 tackles. His defining moment came from Missouri’s rivalry game against Oklahoma when he forced a game-winning fumble which was returned for a Missouri touchdown in the final minute of the game. 

Newson has solidified himself as a defensive playmaker and one of the most impactful players on the Tigers’ defense.

Joseph Charleston (Safety)

Joseph Charleston was a highly sought-after recruit coming out of high school, ranked as the No. 125 recruit in the nation by 247Sports. After committing to Clemson, he gained invaluable experience as a freshman on a team that reached the 2019 National Championship game.

Charleston transferred to Missouri in 2022 and has been a consistent force on Missouri’s defense. In his first season with the Tigers, he finished fourth on the team with 53 tackles. In 2023 he placed second on the team with 61 tackles, continuing to lead the team.

Charleston has posted 30 tackles in 2024, maintaining his role as one of Missouri’s most dependable defensive players. His leadership and consistent play have been crucial to the success of Missouri’s defense over the past three seasons.

As Missouri celebrates its seniors, these players leave behind legacies defined by hard work, perseverance and leadership.  Walker Jr., Hicks,  Newson and Charleston are just a few of the Tigers whose contributions have helped shape Missouri into one of the nation’s top 20 best-scoring defenses.

These players will be remembered not only for their individual accomplishments, but for the impact they’ve had in rebuilding a program.

Edited by Dylan Heinrich | dheinrich@themaneater.com

Copyedited by Emma Harper and Natalie Kientzy | nkientzy@themaneater.com

Edited by Annie Goodykoontz | agoodykoontz@themaneater.com