Next big-time SLUH linebacker vies for Mizzou offer
CREVE COEUR, Mo. — With many eyes fixated on Keenan Harris, Anthony Busby Jr. bursted off the line and sacked the quarterback.
A Class of 2028 linebacker, Busby picked up his first Power Four offer from Nebraska earlier in the day. And with a Cornhuskers staffer in attendance, the St. Louis (Mo.) University sophomore filled the stat sheet with one sack and nine tackles, two for loss.
“He’s got a heck of a future,” Junior Billikens coach Adam Cruz said. “We’ve been blessed to have some good players, and I think Junior is the next big one.”
“I know I had to put on the show,” Busby said with director of player personnel Keith Williams in attendance. “But no pressure, man, it’s what I’m used to. That’s what I’m built for.”
Not only Nebraska sent representatives Friday to St. Louis (Mo.) De Smet. Missouri head coach Eli Drinkwitz and linebackers coach Derek Nicholson both caught glimpses of Busby, a 6-foot-1, 210-pound linebacker, who starred next to Harris, a three-star Tigers commit.
“I’m telling you he’s gonna be one of them ones,” Harris said. “That’s a dog. Hey, if he ain’t putting the world on notice now, they better wake up.”
“That’s love man from the state college,” added Busby, who sported a Missouri towel and gloves Friday, “coming down to see me and Keeno ball out, win this big-time game. I love the Zou.”
The Tigers wanted to be the first Power Four program to offer Busby, a source said. The staff monitored his first few games of the season, and after flying around the field in a rivalry 31-14 win, Busby might be closer to that scholarship more than ever.
“I’m focused on me and my guys, trying to go hold that (state championship) trophy at Mizzou,” he said.
Busby takes in Border War
Since kindergarten, Busby has grown up with Harris. And going to the same high school, Busby learned the impact his friend made on the program. With Harris bound for Missouri at the end of the school year, Busby has continued to pick up on the keys of leading the defense.
Following two trips to Missouri this past offseason, one with Harris, Busby returned for the Border War. He took in the atmosphere against Kansas with his close friend.
“That was so live,” Busby said. “They fought through adversity. That team’s special.”
