New Madrid County Central's Ealy makes Mizzou commitment official

New Madrid County Central head football coach Arlen Pixley stands over NMCC senior Kony Ealy as he signs his letter of intent to play football at the University of Missouri in Columbia on Wednesday morning. Pictured with Ealy (center) is his father, Willie Ealy (left) and his uncle, Nathaniel Ealy Sr. (right). (Photo by Chris Pobst, Staff)

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NEW MADRID -- A huge part of the recent winning formula that was the New Madrid County Central Eagles is ready to move on.

Kony Ealy, a 6-5, 230 pound senior, signed his national letter of intent to play football at the University of Missouri on Wednesday morning.

Ealy is ranked by Rivals.com as the No. 3 player in the state of Missouri, the No. 11 weakside defensive end prospect and also consider him as one of the nation's top 250 high school players. Rivals.com also has Ealy labeled as a 'four-star' recruit.

Scout.com ranks Ealy as the nation's No. 13 defensive end and is ranked the nations No. 49 defensive end prospect by ESPN.com.

Ealy was a two-time, first-team All-State selection as well as a finalist for the Missouri defensive player of the year as a senior. He collected 104 total tackles, 28 tackles for a loss and 12.5 sacks as well as help lead the Eagles to a 9-4 season in his senior year.

"The University of Missouri is getting a very, very explosive athlete who is going to give them a lot of flexibility," NMCC head football coach Arlen Pixley said. "For him to nail down a football scholarship with Missouri is a testament to his athletic ability and his academic ability to make things right."

Ealy helped NMCC reach the state quarterfinals round in Class 3 three-straight times. In addition to his monstrous tackling totals and ability, Ealy also played a big part in their explosive offense that averaged 33.1 points per game. He caught 27 passes for 596 yards and six touchdowns in the tight end position. He also ran for 162 yards and two touchdowns as well.

"They like the upside in him," Pixley said. "And on top of that, they know in the red zone he can go and catch a football. Kony Ealy is just a do-it-all kid."

Ealy turned down offers from such Division 1 schools as Nebraska, Georgia Tech, Arkansas, Kansas and Mississippi, among others.

"The people at Mizzou were just fantastic to be around, that really got my attention," Ealy said about his decision. "Coach Pinkel, all the coaching staff and everybody that helps out with their program is just awesome."

Although he is listed as a defensive end recruit and will more than likely begin his stint there, Ealy said he isn't opposed to playing in the tight end position as well.

"We'll probably start on defense first," he said. "If the coaches decide they need me on offense -- I'll do that too. I'm up there for them."

Ealy is a part of the 23 signed recruits on Wednesday that make up the nation's 21st-best recruiting class. This is considered to be the highest-ranked recruiting class in Mizzou history according to scouting experts.

Missouri finished last season with an 8-5 record and lost to Navy in the Texas Bowl, 35-13.

Ealy had just one thing to say when asked about his future with Mizzou -- "Go Tigers!"