Top 10 Missouri Tigers football players of all time

2. Justin Smith, DL (1998-2000)

Smith was a force to be reckoned with. In 1998, Smith became the first true freshman since 1986 to start all 11 games. The defensive lineman was also named the Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year as he recorded 86 total tackles, 13 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks. Smith earned freshman All-American honors from several media outlets as well. 

As a sophomore, Smith set the new school record with eight sacks and was named first team All-Big 12. However, the star defensive end’s most accomplished season was his junior year as he broke his own sacks record from the previous year and set a new school record for tackles for loss. Some of Smith’s accolades from his final season include first team All-America honors and first team All-Big 12 honors for the second season in a row. After his junior season, the All-American decided to forgo his senior year and declare for the NFL draft where he was the No. 4 overall pick by the Cincinnati Bengals.