SPRINGFIELD–Ryan Beard, Jacob Clark, J.J. O’Neal and other members of the Missouri State football team spoke at length answering questions about how far the program has come, and where it’s headed at Bears Media Day, on Saturday.

Beard openly acknowledged how desperate for hope the program was when he arrived on campus in 2020, but now, five years later, MSU football is on the up-and-up with alumni and the community proudly supporting the transformation and future.

Quarterback Jacob Clark discussed his excitement for the challenge of playing opponents in Conference USA, and how the offensive chemistry is growing every day in practice. He did admit he’s still working with his receiving corps to solidify which ones will be his go-to guys in key situations, but likes the depth the unit has.

Safety J.J. O’Neal doesn’t take his role as quarterback of the defense lightly. He admitted that going from a walk-on to a scholarship player was a dream come true, and it’s motivation to prove the coaches that gave him the opportunity right. As for how he and the defense will handle the emotions of opening the season, on the road, against Southern Cal, O’Neal said his unit must keep them in check to play well or he knows the game could get ugly, quickly.

Missouri State kicks off its new season August 28 in the Coliseum.

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