Gabbert needs new targets this season

COLUMBIA, Mo. -- The Missouri Tigers have been through this before.

The Tigers have had a wide receiver rewrite the school's record book in each of the past two seasons. Jeremy Maclin set records in receptions with 102, receiving yards with 1,260 and touchdowns with 13 in 2008. Danario Alexander exceeded those marks with 113 catches for 1,781 yards and 14 trips to the end zone the following season.

If that trend is to continue for a third consecutive year, that production will have to come from an emerging group of young pass catchers. Jerrell Jackson, redshirt freshman L'Damian Washington and Wes Kemp all are in the mix.

Jackson had eight catches for 142 yards and a score against Iowa State at the end of last season. He has been out of action since breaking a bone in his left wrist in practice Aug. 11. Jackson is expected to miss the season opener against Illinois and also could miss the team's second game at home against McNeese State.

"Jeremy and Danario were great guys and unbelievable receivers for this football team," quarterback Blaine Gabbert said. "We have a lot of young receivers that are waiting to step up and so far in camp we have been really pleased with them. They have all made some big plays."

One candidate who has been turning heads on the practice field is the 6-foot-4 Washington. The four-star recruit out of Liberty, Mo., is atop the depth chart and in line to start against the Illini on Sept. 4.

"He's getting better and better," Missouri coach Gary Pinkel said. "He is a lean, competitive kid. He has great range and he's a fierce competitor."

Washington posted a 4.42-second 40-yard dash and a 35-inch vertical at the start of camp -- neither of which were good enough for him.

"I'm pretty hard on myself so I don't think I'm having a very good camp," Washington said. "I believe I should catch the ball every time it comes my way."

As for life without Jackson to start the season, the receiving corps doesn't believe there's extra pressure.

"Pressure is what you make it," Kemp said. "Reading into those sorts of things adds another new world and dimension. We just try to focus on every play and working hard at the small things."