Missouri coach Gary Pinkel:

Opening statement:

“Focus begins, the season is right around the corner. Really looking forward to work with our team as we report on Aug. 5. Our strength coach said this is the hardest working team we’ve had since we’ve been here and that’s a pretty profound statement. Pleased with work ethic of our team, and our leadership. It is so important, not only seniors but also with a lot of the younger players.”

On replacing Chase Daniel and Jeremy Maclin:

“Anytime you lose a quarterback, one of quality, there’s a concern. Been doing this a long, long time. Certainly when we had Brad Smith, we had a transition year and Chase Daniel comes in, you wonder what’s going to happen. We are in that right now. Blaine Gabbert was far and away best after spring. Two freshman who came in, early, which allowed them to get spring football in and learn our system and process. And they did really well. Expect them to be significantly better. Every job is open, always open, on every position on our team. Right now, Blaine is definitely No. 1. That is normal, everybody sits back and wonders what is going to happen. As for Jeremy Maclin, don’t know if you replace him. A first-round pick who really only played two years of football. But this is fastest football team we’ve had since we’ve been here.”