Why No. 45 means everything to new Mizzou defensive end Joe Moore III

Missouri Tigers defensive lineman Joe Moore (45) protects the ball during a practice at Mizzou Athletic Training Complex in Columbia on Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2023.COLUMBIA, Mo. — Former All-American tight end Chase Coffman’s No. 45 is not among the six retired jersey numbers that adorn the brick wall that circles Mizzou’s Faurot Field. For that, Joe Moore III is grateful.

On the January day Moore III decided to join Mizzou’s 2023 roster as a transfer defensive end, the St. Louis native knew exactly what number he hoped to wear for the Tigers this fall.

“Oh, it was easy,” Moore said last week before the start of preseason camp. “I knew as soon as the day I committed and I asked them, ‘Could I get…