Brothers picks Mizzou

Pete Scantlebury
PowerMizzou.com Recruiting Editor

Missouri began courting Guthrie (OK) linebacker Kentrell Brothers nearly a year ago. Long considered to be the frontrunner for Brothers’ services, it wasn’t until recently that the 6-foot-1, 215-pound athlete realized that the Tigers were the perfect fit.

In an announcement ceremony at his high school on Wednesday morning, Brothers chose Missouri over Washington, Vanderbilt, Tulsa and Arizona State. His decision became more final after he dealt with the death of a close friend.

“I’d say the biggest reason for choosing Mizzou was the coaches,” Brothers said. “Me and Coach (Josh) Henson, I felt like we were best friends. He would also ask me about how I was doing, what was going on in my life, and when one of my best friends passed, he really helped me through it.”

Jared Yost, 17, died on Oct. 22 after a gun accidentally discharged as he was showing his friend how to handle a shotgun before a hunting trip. It was the day before Brothers would leave for Columbia to see Missouri host Oklahoma.

Brothers, who is still coping with the loss, said Henson’s help, coupled with the excitement surrounding Missouri’s win over the Sooners helped him make the decision.

“I felt ready to commit after that game,” Brothers said. “celebrating with the coaches and players, seeing all the fan support was just amazing.”

Brothers called Missouri’s coaching staff on Tuesday to inform them of his decision, and when he talked with head coach Gary Pinkel, Brothers immediately heard the coach’s excitement.

“I called him and he had told me he had heard rumors,” Brothers said. “I told him I was in a good mood because I wanted to be a Missouri Tiger.”

Now, Brothers said Missouri fans can expect a player who will arrive in Columbia ready to work.

“I’m definitely a hard worker,” Brothers said. “I always strive to get better, in every aspect — my speed, my strength, my reads. I’ll do everything they ask.”

Brothers becomes Missouri’s 15th-known commitment, and the third linebacker to commit for the 2011 class. He said he’ll take his official visit to Missouri in December.