Missouri’s 2008 recruiting class was supposed to bring in the next great MU tight end. As a Rivals four-star recruit, Andrew Jones saw some lofty expectations heaped upon him when he got to Columbia.

Two years later, Jones hasn’t panned out to be the next Martin Rucker or Chase Coffman. He’s seen playing time, but he’s mainly served as a blocking tight end instead of a pass-catching tight end.

It’s been Michael Egnew who, at least for 2010′s first game, has filled that pass-catching tight end role. The 6-foot-6, 235-pound Egnew caught 10 passes for 60 yards and a touchdown in his first game holding an expanded role in MU’s offense.

Prior to Sept. 4, Egnew had seven receptions in two seasons with MU.

Coach Gary Pinkel discussed the Egnew/Jones tandem and the improvements Egnew has made at Monday’s media day:

Egnew has put on 35 pounds since coming to campus as a 200-pound two-star wide receiver, giving him the size to play tight end along with his solid speed and athletic ability. Physically, he certainly fits the mold for an MU tight end.

Pinkel mentioned in the video that Egnew made massive strides in spring practice and training camp this year, but that it’s good to see those improvements translating to results in a game.

Those results have only come in one game, but then again, Saturday’s win over Illinois was the only game Egnew had started in his time at MU.