Peat transferring to Missouri

In this Nov. 13, 2021, file photo, Stanford running back Nathaniel Peat rushes 18 yards for a touchdown during the second half of a game against Oregon State in Corvallis, Ore. (Associated Press)
In this Nov. 13, 2021, file photo, Stanford running back Nathaniel Peat rushes 18 yards for a touchdown during the second half of a game against Oregon State in Corvallis, Ore. (Associated Press)

Nathaniel Peat is returning to Columbia.

The former Rock Bridge standout running back will join the Missouri football program this fall after transferring from Stanford. Missouri announced the move on its football Twitter account.

Peat entered the transfer portal last week. He led the Cardinal last fall in rushing with 433 yards (5.1 avg.) while scoring three touchdowns. He also served as the primary kickoff returner for Stanford, averaging 24.6 yards on 27 returns.

In his first two seasons at Stanford, Peat ran for 261 yards on 38 carries with one touchdown. He will have two seasons of eligibility at Missouri.

Peat joins incoming freshman Tavorus Jones and Truman State transfer Cody Schrader as new running backs for the Tigers as Missouri will be replacing All-American Tyler Badie. Returning running backs include Elijah Young, Michael Cox and Bryce Jackson.

Earlier this week, Missouri added Tyrone Hopper, a transfer linebacker/defensive end from North Carolina, to the roster for the fall.

Hopper was injured in North Carolina’s season-opener last fall. In 2020, he totaled 27 tackles and two sacks in 10 games for the Tar Heels.

Hopper has one year of eligibility remaining.

III

Jacob Peeler has been added to the Missouri coaching staff to lead the wide receivers.

“Coach Peeler has a proven ability to recruit and develop student-athletes,” Missouri coach Eli Drinkwitz said. “Adding Jacob and his coaching experience is an opportunity to strengthen our staff, and utilize our coaching staff better moving forward.”

Peeler has spent the last two seasons as offensive coordinator at Texas State.

“I respect and appreciate the culture coach Drinkwitz is building here at Missouri,” Peeler said. “It’s an exciting time for the program. I look forward to working with the staff and student-athletes as we strive for success, on and off the field.”

Peeler has SEC coaching experience. From 2017-19, Peeler served one season as co-offensive coordinator and three seasons coaching wide receivers at Mississippi. He also coached at California (2013-16), Louisiana Tech (2009-12) and Itawamba Community College (2008). Peeler played on the offensive line at Louisiana Tech for two seasons after playing two seasons at Holmes Community College.

In a corresponding move, current Missouri assistant Bush Hamden will move to quarterbacks coach after coaching the wide receivers. Hamden joined the Missouri staff when Drinkwitz was hired as head coach.

Last week, a pair of Missouri assistants were given new roles.

Erik Link will continue as special teams coordinator and will now coach tight ends. D.J. Smith will continue to coach linebackers as well as taking over as the staff’s recruiting coordinator.

III

Shawn Robinson has found a new home.

The former Missouri defensive back/quarterback has enrolled at Kansas State as a graduate student. Robinson had 31 tackles, a sack and an interception last season for the Tigers.

He has one season of eligibility remaining.

Robinson will get to face his former teammates this fall as Kansas State will host Missouri on Sept. 10 in Manhattan, Kan.