Mizzou lands latest commitment from LB Zachary Lovett

For the second straight day, Missouri has landed a key commitment on defense as Rockledge (Fla.) linebacker Zachary Lovett became the latest verbal pledge for the Tigers on Friday.

The three-star prospect picked up an offer from the Tigers nearly a year ago from the previous staff, but that interest has carried over the new linebackers coach DJ Smith.

"I talk to him regularly," Lovett told PowerMizzou.com of Smith and Missouri back in May. "Coach Smith - he is chill and relatable. He acts like a normal person. I feel the biggest thing he likes is how I have size and still move fast."

The 6-foot-2, 230-pound prospect is a versatile defender with tremendous closing speed that can man the middle of the defense sideline to sideline, put his hand in the dirt and rush the edge, and drop back into coverage as well.

As a junior, Lovett recorded 93 tackles and four sacks for his Rockledge team.

Lovett chose the Tigers over the likes Louisville, West Virginia, Georgia Tech, Iowa State, and others.

He becomes the 13th overall commitment in Missouri's 2021 recruiting class.