Nov. 8, 2007
Columbia, Mo. - Four University of Missouri standout football student-athletes were rewarded today for their efforts in the classroom, as each was named to the ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District 1st Team for CoSIDA District 7.
Senior defensive lineman/long snapper Steven Blair, senior punter Adam Crossett, junior quarterback Chase Daniel and sophomore offensive lineman Kurtis Gregory were cited for their outstanding academic achievements, and each now has a chance at winning Academic All-America honors. Voting for national honors begins next week, with winners to be announced Nov. 29th, after voters consider all-district members in eight districts across the nation.
Blair and Gregory are new to the all-district team, while Crossett and Daniel win honors for the second consecutive season. The four 1st-Team selections marks a record achievement for Mizzou, and gives the Tigers six selections in the last two seasons.
Blair has been an important fixture on the Tiger special teams units over the years, and has been the team's top long snapper for the last three seasons. Gregory is in his first season as a starter on the offensive line, and has turned in an outstanding year, helping pave the way for MU's high-powered attack. Crossett ranks fifth on MU's career punting average list, with a mark of 40.558, while Daniel is being mentioned for strong national honor award consideration heading into the stretch run of the 2007 season - he's already been named a semifinalist for the Davey O'Brien and the Maxwell Awards.
Here's a quick look at MU's all-district winners:
Name Honor Major - GPA Hometown
Steven Blair (Sr. - DL) 1st Team Secondary Education - 3.75 Godfrey, Ill.
Adam Crossett (Sr. - P) 1st Team MBA - 3.96 Liberty, Mo.
Chase Daniel (Jr. - QB) 1st Team Business - 3.43 Southlake, Texas
Kurtis Gregory (So. - OL) 1st Team General Agriculture - 3.38 Blackburn, Mo.