When Evan Boehm attended a one-day Missouri football camp in Kansas City as a freshman, he walked away with an offer from the Tigers.
It's a gesture Boehm, now a rising senior who is the top-rated offensive guard in the country, never forgot and one that paid off in a big way for the Tigers.
Scout's Take
Interior offensive line prospects might not create a lot of buzz, but this is a very good pickup for the Tigers.
Boehm projects to guard but has experience at center, and if needed, he could step in and play tackle. This versatile prospect not only gives you a quality player at one position, but can offer good depth. A coach's son, he plays the game well and exhibits good technique for a prospect at his level as both a run- and pass-blocker. He displays good flexibility, balance and agility, and is able to come off the ball, quickly get into defenders, roll his hips, deliver a pop and knock them back. Additionally, he does a nice job of being able to get up to the second level and locate and get a hand on defenders on the move. He also displays good toughness and aggressiveness as a blocker.
We think the Under Armour All-American is an excellent pickup for Mizzou, as he addresses a need, is a key in-state keep and, most importantly, is a very good prospect.
-- Craig Haubert
Feeling like Missouri had recruited him the hardest since he received that offer, the Lee's Summit (Mo.) West offensive lineman rewarded the Tigers with their first commitment from an ESPNU 150 member since 2009 by selecting them over Oklahoma and Auburn.
"They showed me the love that not many showed," said Boehm, an Under Armour All-American who is No. 55 in the ESPNU 150. "That's what really got to me. It wasn't only the football players and the football coaches there, but it was everyone there. I'm very blessed to have this opportunity."
He plays in an up-tempo style of offense at West High School (under his father and coach, Royce Boehm) that is similar to the one the Tigers run under coach Gary Pinkel. He hopes that will help him see the field early once he enrolls at Missouri.
"I think it's going to be a huge advantage for me and for them," Boehm said. "I'm going to walk in there and know what kind of blocking techniques they use and how the offense runs."
If Boehm, who had offers from many of the nation's elite programs, gets his way, he won't be the only ESPNU 150 member to sign with the Tigers in February. Missouri is also in the running for Columbus (Ind.) East quarterback Gunner Kiel, the top-rated player at his position and the 12th-ranked overall prospect.
"I really hope they get him," Boehm said. "I've watched his highlight tape before and really like what I've seen. I would love to block for him."
Boehm is the fourth four-star recruit to commit to Missouri and the second offensive lineman in the 10-player class. The Tigers also have commitments from four three-star recruits.
It's the start of a class that Boehm believes will help Missouri continue its trend of recent success. The Tigers have been to bowl games for six consecutive seasons and seven of the past eight. They also played in the Big 12 championship game in in 2007 and 2008, losing to Oklahoma both years.
"Coach Pinkel is taking Missouri to the next level," Boehm said. "You can tell that Missouri is going to one of the big names of college football. I want to be a part of it. I want to be part of the reason why Missouri wins a national championship."