Eli Drinkwitz at SEC Media Days 2024: 3 interesting things Missouri HC said at Dallas event

After a big year in Missouri, there's plenty of interest around Eli Drinkwitz at SEC Media Days 2024. The Missouri coach had an 11-win season last year and now is looking to move ahead into the new era of the SEC.

There were a veritable ton of talking points on display but here are three highlights from Drinkwitz at SEC Media Days 2024.

3 interesting things Eli Drinkwitz said at SEC Media Days 2024

Missouri QB Brady Cook was a major focus of Eli Drinkwitz at SEC Media Days 2024 (Photo Credit: IMAGN)

#1. A tribute to a former colleague

Interestingly, Drinkwitz opened his comments by honoring Monte Kiffin and then moving on to discuss a fallen colleague. Former Mississippi State boss Mike Leach was clearly on Drinkwitz's mind as he opened his comments with a call for Leach to be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.

Drinkwitz acknowledged that by the existing criteria, Leach is a single win shy of being eligible for the honor. However, given Leach's impact and legacy, Drinkwitz called for the Hall of Fame to waive the requirement and induct the former coach.

"The Hall of Fame is incomplete without Coach Mike Leach in it," Drinkwitz said.

#2. Drinkwitz is happy with this quarterback

A big ingredient toward Missouri's success in 2024 will be the play of veteran QB Brady Cook. A season ago, Cook threw for 3,317 yards and 21 touchdowns. His experience and poise should help the Tigers be a threat in the SEC this season. His coach is certainly impressed.

"Brady's never having a bad day," Drinkwitz said of the veteran passer. "He just loves coming to work. ... He's gritty. There's no question about what kind of leader he is."

Drinkwitz singled out Cook's work after the tough loss to LSU, saying that the QB was back to work on Sunday after the game.

#3. The new defensive boss is fitting in well

The off-season brought the loss of defensive coordinator Blake Baker to LSU. Drinkwitz brought in South Alabama assistant Corey Batoon, who has impressed with his work. He needs to keep Missouri tough on the defensive side of the ball.

Drinkwitz avoided direct comparisons between the coordinators.

"To me, play callers are a type of artist, and each artist paints his own picture," Drinkwitz said.

But Drinkwitz was pleased with his new coordinator, who leads what the head coach has termed the "Death Row defense." Drinkwitz noted that Batoon "has instealled the basic DNA of the defense" at this point. While the new coordinator is expected to "add a few wrinkles," Drinkwitz is concerned with limiting explosive plays and doing better on third downs.

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