Jamal Roberts: A Rising Star in Missouri Tigers Football
Jamal Roberts is a promising running back for the Missouri Tigers. His journey from St. Louis high school football to the SEC showcases his dedication and potential.
Early Life and High School Career
Born on October 26, 2004, Jamal Roberts attended St. Mary's High School in St. Louis, Missouri.
College Career
Early Years (2023-2024)
Roberts' college career at Missouri began in 2023. He played in two games during his first year, recording one rush for negative one yard and subsequently redshirting. In 2024, he began to carve out a role for himself as a pass blocker and third-down runner, backing up Nate Noel and Marcus Carroll. That season, he rushed for 216 yards and three touchdowns on 53 carries.
Breakout Potential (2025 Season)
The 2025 season saw Roberts emerge as a significant contributor to the Tigers' offense. He shared the backfield with Ahmad Hardy, a Doak Walker Award finalist. While Hardy set a Missouri single-season rushing record with 1,649 yards, Roberts added 753 yards and six touchdowns on 124 carries. Missouri was the only SEC team to have two different running backs in the top 10 of rushing yards in the conference.
Decision to Stay at Missouri
After the 2025 season, both Hardy and Roberts had decisions to make about their future. Hardy publicly committed to staying with the program on December 16, which created uncertainty about Roberts' role. Head coach Eli Drinkwitz acknowledged the challenge of retaining Roberts, given Hardy's presence and Roberts' potential to start elsewhere.
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Drinkwitz openly appealed for Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) support from the St. Louis area to help keep Roberts at Missouri. He highlighted the financial constraints of revenue sharing and the need to distribute funds across the entire team. Drinkwitz emphasized Roberts' value, stating, "We got a tough situation because you got Ahmad Hardy, who is consensus All-American, but I think Jamal Roberts is as good a back as there is in the country. And how do you beg Jamal to take less to stay here? I mean, that's the reality of it."
Ultimately, Missouri successfully re-signed Roberts for the upcoming season, securing the deal one day before the transfer portal officially opened. Roberts has two seasons of eligibility remaining.
Player Profile
- Full Name: Jamal K. Roberts
- Position: Running Back
- Jersey Number: 20
- Height: 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
- Weight: 212 lb (96 kg)
- Class: Redshirt Sophomore
- Born: October 26, 2004
- High School: St. Mary's (St. Louis, Missouri)
Additional Information
Jamal K. Roberts was also a swimmer at Cass Technical High School. He participated in two meets (Jan. 17 vs. Lewis/Hillsdale and Jan. 23 at Eastern Michigan). He swam exhibition heats of the 50 free, 100 free and 100 breaststroke at the GLIAC Championship. In 2007-08: Participated in all nine regular-season meets. He posted exhibition times of 24.01 in the 50 freestyle and 54.00 in the 100 free at the GLIAC Championship. He participated in every meet during the season, earning his first collegiate varsity letter. He earned all-city honors all four years and was team MVP his sophomore season. Twice finished third in the 100 free and 100 back at the city championships. He was a part of several city championship relays as well. He was team captain junior and senior years. He also ran cross country and track, earning all-city honors his senior year.
Personal Life
Jamal is the son of Darold and Marland Roberts. He has a brother, Kijana Roberts, and a sister, Teriese Walls. He is majoring in management and was named to the Athletic Director's Honor Roll for Fall 2008 and Winter 2009.
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