Missouri Southern interim head football coach Joe Bettasso has announced the addition of 11 individuals as part of 2021 National Signing Day.
The list includes eight players that reside from Southwest Missouri. The program anticipates adding more to the list and those individuals will be announced when the paperwork is confirmed.
“We are very excited about the quality of student-athletes that we were able to bring to Missouri Southern,” Bettasso said. “These young men saw the value in a Missouri Southern education and the opportunities that the Joplin community can provide for them. I look forward to watching their growth on the field, and in the classroom.”
Complete bios and highlight videos for the class can be found by clicking on the signing day page link above in the story links or by clicking here (NSD Page). Below are coach Bettasso’s takes on each of the signees.
Zach Gouty – OL – 6-6 – 265 – New Lenox, Ill. – Lincoln-Way West HS
“A long athletic offensive lineman that fits into any system that comes from an outstanding program in the south Chicago suburbs.”
Landon Wilson – TE – 6-6 – 230 – Marshfield, Mo. – Marshfield HS
“A big body tight end, that is very versatile and has shown the ability to produce in the run and pass game.”
Nathan Glades – ATH – 5-10 – 185 – Joplin, Mo. – Joplin HS
“A tremendous local talent that has shown the ability to be dynamic in every aspect of his game.”
Rafe Darter – WR – 6-3 – 190 – Mount Vernon, Mo. – Mount Vernon HS
“Missed his senior year, but we feel like this is a great steal for us to get someone from tom Tom Cox’s program. Rafe has a tremendous upside.”
Drake Reese – K – 6-2 – 195 – Cassville, Mo. – Cassville HS
“He comes from a program that has had tremendous success during his time there. He was extremely productive in the kicking game as well as playing other positions on the field.”
Zach Ivy – LB – 6-3 – 190 – Norman, Okla. – Norman North HS
“A versatile athlete with great length that shows the ability to rush the edge as well as play in the box physically.”
Jaystin Smith – LB – 6-3 – 215 – Webb City, Mo. – Webb City HS
“He comes from one of the most respected programs in the country. He is a very versatile athlete that has shown the ability to play in space and well as in the run game. Huge upside!”
Scott Lowe – LS – 5-10 – 195 – Joplin, Mo. – Joplin HS
“A very productive local high school player. He is a high academic student who has shown the ability to do many different things in the kicking game as well as defensively.”
Blake Seaton – TE – 6-4 – 220 – Lake St. Louis, Mo. – Liberty (Wentzville) HS
“A high school quarterback that has shown he has a huge upside athletically to help us in different areas offensively. We project him to play tight end in college.”
Trayshawn Thomas – LB – 6-1 – 207 – Joplin, Mo. – Joplin HS
“A local kid that has the body type to grow and the athleticism to do multiple things for our program. His best football is still ahead of him.”
Kaden Daniels – OL – 6-5 – 265 – Mountain View, Mo. – Mountan View Liberty HS
“A long athletic lineman that has huge growth potential to be able to play inside or tackle. Very physical, tough kid with a high ceiling.”
