10. Mel Gray, WR (1968-1970)

Gray, a two-sport athlete, was known for his speed as he also competed in track and field. In 1969, Gray was named to the All-Big Eight team as he caught 25 passes for 709 yards and recorded nine touchdowns. At one point, Gray held the school record for the most receiving touchdowns in school history with 14. The wide receiver was chosen for Missouri’s all-century team in 1990.

Gray then went on to get drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals where he played 12 seasons. Throughout his career, Gray was a four-time Pro Bowl selection and tied the NFL lead for receiving touchdowns in 1975.

9. Russ Washington, DL (1963-1967)

Washington is seen as one of the most dominant linemen in Missouri football history. The defensive lineman was named the Big Eight Conference Defensive Player of the Year and a first team All-American in 1967. Washington was also named All-Big Eight Conference and played in four All-Star games.

The defensive lineman went on to have an impressive NFL career by earning All-Pro twice and five Pro Bowl selections. Washington played 15 years with the Chargers and also won the Forrest Gregg Award as the NFL’s top offensive lineman in 1977.

8. Blaine Gabbert, QB (2010)

Although Gabbert only played one season for the Tigers, he made the most of it and made it a memorable one for Missouri fans. Gabbert threw for 3,186 yards and 16 touchdowns that season along with rushing for five more touchdowns. The quarterback led the Tigers to a 10-2 regular season record, including a victory over No. 3 Oklahoma at the time.

Gabbert concluded his college career with the Insight Bowl where he went 41-57 with over 450 yards and a touchdown. After the season, the quarterback declared for the 2011 NFL Draft where he was the No. 10 overall pick of the Jacksonville Jaguars.

7. Shane Ray, DL (2012-2014)

Ray was a nightmare for quarterbacks in college. A very talented defensive lineman who can do many things on the defensive side of the ball, Ray recorded 19 sacks in three seasons which led the Tigers in sacks for the decade. In 2014, the defensive lineman also put up 14.5 sacks which were the most in a single season in Missouri history.

Ray had 34 tackles for a loss during his time with the Tigers as well. The talented defensive lineman was recognized as a unanimous All-American and was selected by the Denver Broncos in the first round of the 2015 NFL draft.

6. James Wilder, running back (1978-1980)

Wilder is one of the greatest running backs in Missouri history. Wilder set the school rushing record with 2,357 yards, and that could have been higher if he didn’t suffer a hamstring injury in 1979. What the running back is remembered most for in his college years is the 1978 game against Nebraska where he recorded 181 yards and four touchdowns, including the game winner in the Tigers’ 35-31 victory. Wilder was also named the MVP of the 1978 Liberty Bowl game that Missouri won over LSU.

The running back went on to have a successful NFL career as he ranks first in Buccaneers’ history in rushing yards and rushing attempts. Wilder recorded 47 touchdowns and set the NFL record at the time for the most carries in a game with 43.

5. Michael Sam, DL (2012-2015)

Sam was the main leader for the Missouri defense during his time with the Tigers and was very versatile. Sam finished his career with 18.5 sacks. The defensive lineman’s senior season was one to remember as he racked up 48 tackles, 11.5 sacks and 19 tackles for loss, which led him to be named the 2013 SEC Defensive Player of the Year.

Sam also had three games with three sacks in that same season. Sam helped make an impact for the Tigers’ defense by forcing five fumbles, snagging two interceptions and swatting down four passes throughout his career as well. The defensive lineman helped Missouri deliver a message to the SEC that they could compete in the conference.