Justin Gage Voted First Team All-Big 12
11/25/2001 12:00:00 AM | Football
Nov. 25, 2001
COLUMBIA, Mo. - Junior wide receiver Justin Gage was voted first team All-Big 12 by the Big 12 coaches on Friday. The Jefferson City, Mo. native has pulled in 68 receptions for 883 yards and five touchdowns through 10 games. His 68 receptions ranks second all-time in MU history for a single-season. His 883 receiving yards currently ranks fourth on Missouri's single-season list. Gage entered Saturday's contest against Kansas State ranked ninth in the country in receptions per game.
The Missouri Tigers had two players named second team All-Big 12. Senior offensive tackle Aaron Crittendon and junior defensive tackle Keith Wright both have enjoyed solid seasons for Missouri. Crittendon has been part of an offensive line that has allowed just six quarterback sacks this season, a statistic that leads the Big 12 Conference and that was ranked No. 5 in the nation entering Saturday's game. Wright, playing defensive tackle for the first time in his career, entered Saturday's game with 51 tackles, eight tackles for loss, two quarterback sacks, two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery, an interception and a blocked field goal.
Sophomore running back Zack Abron, sophomore center A.J. Ricker and senior kicker Brad Hammerich were all recognized on the third team All-Big 12 team. Abron is Missouri's leading rusher with 737 yards, including five 100-plus rushing games. He is averaging 5.4 yards per carry and has scored six touchdowns. Ricker was recognized in the preseason as one of the top centers in the country by being named to the Rimington Award "watch list." The award recognizes the nation's top center. Hammerich was a Lou Groza Award semifinalist as one the top kickers in the country. He is the Tigers leading scorer with 55 points. He has connected on 11-of-15 field goal attempts and is 22-for-23 in PAT attempts.
Several Tigers were named honorable mention All-Big 12. Senior tight end Dwayne Blakley and offensive tackle Justin Bland both earned honorable mention All-Big 12 honors for the third time in their careers. Senior offensive guard Mike Hayes was tabbed All-Big 12 for second consecutive season. On defense, linebackers Sean Doyle and Jamonte Robinson both earned honorable mention All-Big 12 recognition, as did junior outside safety Tauras Ferguson and junior defensive end Antwaun Bynum.
