Dec. 5, 2003

Columbia, Mo. - Senior offensive tackle Rob Droege (St. Louis, Mo.) has received another award, this time for his play on the field. Droege was named 1st-Team All-Big 12 by the Associated Press, less than one week after being named a 1st-Team Academic All-American, which was preceded by his winning the prestigious National Football Foundation Scholar-Athlete $18,000 post-graduate scholarship.

Droege, who was a 2nd-Team All-Big 12 pick by the press in 2002, is a driving force behind MU's offensive attack that currently ranks 7th in the nation in rushing, with an average of 236.25 yards per game. Mizzou also leads the nation in fewest turnovers, having committed just 10 in 12 games, a year after leading the nation in 2002 with 12 turnovers in as many games.

Droege led the way for a total of 11 Tigers who were honored as part of the Associated Press all-league teams. Mizzou landed three players on the league's 2nd-Team: senior center A.J. Ricker, senior tailback Zack Abron and junior linebacker James Kinney.

Representing MU on the AP's Honorable Mention All-Big 12 Team included: sophomore quarterback Brad Smith (who was honored twice - once at quarterback and once as an all-purpose back), sophomore guard Tony Palmer, and senior tight end J.D. McCoy on offense, with senior linebacker Brandon Barnes, junior safety Nino Williams, sophomore tackle C.J. Mosley and freshman end Brian Smith earning the honors on defense.

Mizzou, at 8-4 on the season and bowl eligible for only the 3rd time since 1983, is making preparations for its upcoming bowl game. Details will be announced at a press conference to be held this Sunday at 5 p.m. in the Tiger Lounge (3rd Floor) of the Press Tower at Memorial Stadium. The public is invited to attend Sunday's gathering.