Britt credits wrestling for rise on Tigers depth chart
Israel Potoczny israel@lebanondailyrecord.com
Oct 15, 2009
Justin Britt is hoping Elvis Fisher goes to the NFL.
Fisher, the Tigers starting left tackle, is the only thing between Britt and the field as the former Lebanon High School standout has risen to No. 2 on the University of Missouri depth chart. A native of Saint Petersburg, Fla., Fisher spent his first year at MU as a redshirt freshmen. Then, in 2008, he went from No. 2 on the Tigers depth chart to being named first team Freshman All-American.
In town for the Lebanon-Hillcrest game on Oct. 2, Britt took a moment during halftime to talk about his rise up the Tigers depth chart during his freshman season as a member of the University of Missouri football team.
“I would like to say, ‘yes.’” He said when asked if he saw himself competing for a position on the Tigers line next season. “But I am behind the best lineman on our team. Maybe next year, he will go pro and I wish the best for him if he goes and I get to play.
“But next year, I could see myself playing a lot.”
This year, Britt is likely to redshirt, meaning he will still have four years of eligibility remaining. Redshirt players can practice with the team, dress out and warm-up with the team at the games, but cannot play.
Britt has yet to appear in a game this season, and said he is feeling the itch, not only for football, but wrestling as well, which he credits for his rise up the MU depth chart.
“I am missing it (wrestling) already,” he said.
Britt, now pushing 300 pounds, said his wrestling background as a heavy weight state champion has helped him rise up the chart, but also credited his offensive line coach at LHS, Mark Whitacre.
“He did a good job of getting my technique down,” Britt said.
Britt said he isn’t worried about the competition recruits such as Wentzville’s Nick Demien might provide in the future.
“Next year, they’ll be getting used to things and I’ll be getting better and better,” Britt said. “The O-line (Josh Henson) coach told me I’m going to be just like the guy in front of me ... I’m not worried about them.”