July 16, 2001

COLUMBIA, Mo.- Three Missouri Tigers were named preseason honorable mention All-Americans by Street & Smith College Football 2001 magazine. Junior wide receiver Justin Gage, senior offensive lineman Mike Hayes and junior linebacker Sean Doyle were tabbed by the preseason magazine.

Gage is expected to be the Tigers' biggest offensive threat. He recorded 44 receptions for 709 yards in 2000 and was voted the team's offensive MVP. Gage enters just his second season as a wide receiver after being converted from quarterback in the spring of 2000.

Hayes established himself as one of the best offensive linemen in the Big 12 Conference last season. He was a third team All-Big 12 performer after committing just two penalties and leading the MU offensive linemen with 80 knockdowns. Hayes was voted a team captain for the 2001 campaign.

Doyle had an excellent 2000 season despite playing through a number of injuries. He recorded 80 tackles in 10 games and was ranked among the nation's best in total fumbles. He forced three fumbles while recovering two others. He also registered six quarterback sacks and 15 tackles for loss. Together, Doyle and senior Jamonte Robinson should be one of the best linebacker duos in the Big 12 Conference.