4-star LB Christian Thatcher sets Missouri official visit
Missouri will receive an official visit from one of Nevada’s top prospects this summer.
Las Vegas Arbor View four-star linebacker Christian Thatcher will take an official visit to Missouri from June 21-23.
The 6-foot-2, 200-pound Thatcher also has OVs scheduled for Utah (June 8) and Kansas (June 14). Back in January, he took an unofficial visit to USC.
“Man it was awesome,” Thatcher told WeAreSC. ” I’ve had such a good relationship with coach Lynn for a while. Now getting a chance to spend the whole afternoon and night with coach Entz, was very important to get to know him. They have made it clear I am a big priority for them and what is not to like about USC. It checks all boxes right now.”
Thatcher is the nation’s No. 321 overall prospect, No. 35 linebacker and No. 5 recruit from Nevada in the 2025 cycle according to the On3 Industry Ranking — a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.
Defensive recruiting in the 2024 class
Eliah Drinkwitz’s staff in Columbia pulled in a number of stars on the defense in the 2024 cycle. Signees included Lee’s Summit (Mo.) North Five-Star Plus+ EDGE Williams Nwaneri, Hudson (Fla.) four-star defensive lineman Elias Williams and Madison (Ala.) James Clemens four-star EDGE Jaylen Brown.
Nwaneri headlined a Missouri class that ranked inside the top 25 nationally in the 2024 On3 Industry Team Recruiting Rankings.
“What made me feel good about Missouri was comfortability, relationships with the coaching staff and the people there,” Nwaneri told On3. “It has a feeling like somewhere close that I could go and fit in. Staying home is extremely big for me. As a child I watched Missouri, I get to stay home and we can start something new. Having a chance to be that hometown hero and starting a trend at Missouri played into my decision.”
More on those relationships:
“Coach Peoples and Coach Drink were both really involved in recruiting me,” Nwaneri said. “I have great relationships with them both. Their message was always to stay home, be the guy and go where you are needed, not wanted. They want me to come in and be a huge impact for the program.”