Missouri announces football recruiting class

COLUMBIA, Mo. -- Missouri now has two quarterbacks with the name Gabbert on the jersey because it refused to accept defeat.

Following his older brother's lead, Tyler Gabbert first committed to Nebraska before changing his mind and opting to stay close to home. Blaine Gabbert's productive year as the sophomore starter was a major influence in Tyler's decision-making process.

"I think it was a matter of Blaine being down here, having the success, Blaine liking it as much as he did," offensive coordinator Dave Yost said. "Tyler, I think, always wanted to come here."

Gabbert was ranked the No. 8 overall prospect in Missouri after a so-so senior season at Parkway West High School in suburban St. Louis. He and fellow quarterback James Franklin of Lake Dallas High in Corinth, Texas, are among four players already enrolled for the spring semester after graduating early.

"When a player's committed, your responsibility to recruit him as if he's not committed is wise," coach Gary Pinkel said Wednesday. "We're still selling them."

Overall, Pinkel said his 10th recruiting class at Missouri was by far the best.

"In our system, this is a significantly higher level of total recruits than we've had since we've been here," Pinkel said.