April 27, 2003

Columbia, Mo. - Two standouts for the Tiger football squad were recognized for their talents today as receiver Justin Gage and defensive tackle Keith Wright were selected in the 2003 NFL Draft.

A third former Tiger, quarterback Kirk Farmer, went undrafted, but shortly after the draft ended, signed a free-agent contract with the St. Louis Rams. Rams Head Coach Mike Martz said in a post-draft press conference that he thinks very highly of Farmer and that he anticipates Farmer will compete for the third quarterback position with the team this year.

Joining Farmer in the free agent ranks was secondary standout Tauras Ferguson, who signed a free-agent contract with Super Bowl runner-up Oakland following the draft.

Gage, who leaves as Mizzou's alltime leading pass-catcher, was selected by the Chicago Bears in the 5th round today, and was the 143rd pick overall. Wright, who led the Big 12 Conference in tackles for loss last season, followed in the 6th round as the 214th overall pick of the draft by the Houston Texans.

It marks the first time since 1998 that two Tigers have been drafted in the same year. The 1998 NFL Draft saw running backs Ernest Blackwell (7th round, 224th overall pick -- Kansas City) and Ron Janes (7, 233 -- Arizona) selected.

It also marks the first time since 1988 that two Tigers were selected in or before the 6th round. In 1988, Erik McMillan was taken in the 3rd round (#63 overall) by the New York Jets, while Robert Delpino was taken in the 5th round (#117) by the Los Angeles Rams.