The Missouri athletics department confirmed Wednesday that senior defensive linemen Harold Brantley and Walter Brady had been kicked off the team for violating team policy. Brantley for failing to meet academic requirements and Brady for violating team policy.

PowerMizzou’s Gabe DeArmond first reported the news, and thus far, coach Barry Odom has not given a statement. Asked about Brantley on July 13, Odom said: “He’s in two classes currently. He did a really good job finishing up one class last semester. He’s done the things academically he need to up to this point.”

Last year, Brantley sat out due to injuries sustained in a car accident. In 2014, though, he recorded 54 tackles, five sacks and a blocked punt. Brady, one of the defensive line’s star freshmen in 2015, recorded 40 tackles, seven sacks and an interception.

In what’s been regarded as the best position group on the Missouri football team, the defensive line must now adjust. Senior Josh Augusta, along with preseason All-American candidate Charles Harris, sophomore Terry Beckner, sophomore Josh Moore, senior Rickey Hatley, junior Marcell Frazier, sophomore Nate Howard and freshman Tre Williams, must fill a void on the defensive line.

_Edited by Peter Baugh | pbaugh@themaneater.com_