Missouri's defensive line builds chemistry

COLUMBIA, Mo. -- It's no rebuilding year for the Missouri defensive line, even after losing a player picked seventh overall in the NFL draft.

Aldon Smith missed three games with a fractured right leg last year but served as an anchor for a squad that ranked first in the Big 12 and sixth nationally in scoring defense. Though Smith now is with the San Francisco 49ers, the line figures to be a strength for the 21st-ranked Tigers heading into Saturday's opener against Miami of Ohio.

"This defensive line has the potential to be really good," Missouri coach Gary Pinkel said. "And we all know that if you can be good up front, it gives you an opportunity to be good in the rest of your defense."

End Brad Madison was a standout last year even though he made only two starts. He was named preseason All-Big 12 in addition to making watch lists for the Lombardi and Nagurski awards.

Madison had a three-sack game while Smith was out and led the team with 7.5 sacks and 11 tackles for loss.

Last year's experience figures to ease the transition to being a full-time starter. Madison said he always has prepared as if he were going to start.

"When Aldon went down, I had to step up in the starting role for a couple games there," Madison said. "So I know what to expect. I've just got to do it."

End Jacquies Smith also is an early candidate for the Lombardi Award and a preseason first-team All-Big 12 selection. He had 10 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks and two interceptions last season.

"We played a lot together last year," Jacquies Smith said. "We lost a great player, but I think we'll be able to fill the role. And we'll go out there and perform to the best of our abilities."

One-time blue chip recruit Sheldon Richardson for now is a heralded backup behind Terrell Resonno. Richardson, who originally committed to Missouri in 2009, was cleared academically by the NCAA in mid-August. He is playing catchup and also has been hampered by a sprained ankle.

Teammates have referred to Richardson, once rated among the top 10 prospects in the country out of St. Louis, as "Messiah," poking fun at the time and effort involved in his quest to play.

Tackle Dominique Hamilton figures to be an important cog against the run. Missouri surrendered an average of 114 yards rushing in seven games before Hamilton broke his right ankle last year. That number spiked to 197 yards in the Tigers' final six games.

Hamilton likes the camaraderie among the linemen so far.

"We've got a good bond, I guess you could say," Hamilton said. "My redshirt freshman year, sophomore year, I couldn't say that, I couldn't say that at all."