COLUMBIA - Drew Lock hasn't even been at Missouri long enough to get a Tigers backpack, but he's about to get his second collegiate start.
The true freshman was listed as the first-string quarterback in Missouri's depth chart Monday, less than a week after starter Maty Mauk was suspended indefinitely for a violation of team policies. Mauk's name was not listed anywhere on the depth chart. Offensive lineman Malik Cuellar, who was also suspended for Missouri's game last Saturday against South Carolina, was reinstated as the backup left tackle.
Missouri coach Pinkel said Monday that Mauk would be listed in the depth chart whenever his suspension ended, but refused to elaborate, saying he doesn't "ever talk about discipline issues ever."
Lock, who sported a Lee's Summit basketball bookbag Monday, started his first college game Saturday, a 24-10 win against the Gamecocks. This time, he has a whole week to prepare.
"I thought about that today," Lock said Monday, "just thinking that I didn't even know at this point that I was starting last week. It's kind of cool, actually, knowing. Maybe I can calm myself down a little bit this week."
Lock said he found out last Tuesday he would be starting, hours before news of Mauk's suspension was made public - meaning he has an added day to ready himself for the Gators.
"You can't even put into words what one day can truly mean as far as getting ready for a game," he said. "Especially this level against a team like we're getting ready to play."
Lock said he doesn't know going forward what Missouri's status at quarterback will be.
"It's kind of like a fantasy team," he said. "You see "probable' on a guy or he's "week by week.' That's kind of how I'm taking my life right now, I guess, as far as starting goes. It's not too bad. I'm just happy to be a starter."