The Gary Pinkel era at the University of Missouri has brought unprecedented success to a program that had struggled to find an identity until he arrived in Columbia in 2001. Under the leadership of Pinkel, Mizzou has reached unparalleled highs and has produced four division titles, 10 bowl appearances and countless future pros. In this article we will highlight the top-10 defensive players of the last 14 years at Mizzou.

2. Shane Ray DE (2012-2014). Ray was only a full-time starter for one season (2014) but would record one of the greatest defensive seasons in Mizzou history. His 13 sacks broke the all-time record at Missouri and his tenacity helped lead the Tigers to a second-straight SEC East Championship. Ray was voted the 2014 SEC Defensive Player of the Year and figures to be a top pick in this May’s NFL Draft.

3. Aldon Smith DE (2008-2010). Although he only started for two seasons, Smith was an absolute physical freak whose combination of size and speed wreaked havoc on Big 12 offenses. He racked up 17 sacks in two years and made one of the most athletic defensive plays you will ever see in 2010 as he intercepted a Landy Jones pass and returned it 60-plus yards the other way.

4. William Moore S (2004-2008). The former All-American selection was a huge cog on Mizzou’s defense since he emerged on the scene during the 2005 season. He left Missouri with a school record four interceptions returned for touchdowns and his eight picks in 2007 are also a school record. He was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the second round of the 2009 NFL Draft.

5. Markus Golden DE (2012-2014). Golden would be the victim of NCAA clearinghouse issues out of high school and would have to attend Junior College before joining the Tigers in 2012 where he played primarily on special teams. Golden was the consummate team player who always seemed to make big plays when they mattered most. He leaves Mizzou with 16.5 career sacks and was a part of the most prolific sack duo in school history as both he and Shane Ray finished 2014 with double-digit sacks.

6. James Kinney LB (2001-2004). Kinney was a part of the genesis of the Pinkel era at Mizzou and his on-field production should not be forgotten. Kinney quietly left Missouri as the all-time leading tackler in school history and was a key component that helped turn the program from an afterthought into to a bowl-contender. Kinney was an AP All-Big 12 performer in 2004 and was a Butkis Award canidate that same year.

7. Michael Sam DE (2009-2013). Sam was a very solid contributor on the Missouri defensive line during his first few seasons on the field, but he exploded onto the national scene in 2013 with his 11.5 sacks and 19 tackles for loss. These stats earned Sam SEC Defensive Player of the Year honors as well as a spot on the All-American team. On the final play of his career, he sacked Oklahoma State Quarterback Clint Shelf in the Cotton Bowl which led to a game-clinching touchdown.

8. E.J. Gaines CB (2010-2013). Gaines was a high-level contributor starting with his true-freshman season in 2010. He finished his career with eight interceptions and was as close to a lock-down corner as ever played at Missouri. He was an all-conference selection in two different conferences (2011 Big 12, 2013 SEC).

9. Brian Smith DE (2003-2006). The oft-forgotten Brian Smith was a defensive force for the Tigers throughout this four years in Columbia. His 31.5 career sacks are still a school-record to this day despite playing defensive end at a meager 212 pounds.

10. Pig Brown S (2006-2007). Perhaps no player in Mizzou football history made such a profound impact in such a short time. Brown, a JUCO transfer had 110 tackles and three interceptions in his two seasons at Missouri, but was an unquestioned defensive leader both on and off the field. The game he had against Illinois in 2007 may be one of the most impactful in school history as he returned a fumble 100 yards for a score and also picked off a pass in the end zone to seal the victory.

Honorable Mentions

LB- Andrew Wilson

LB- Marcus Bacon

LB- Brock Christopher

LB- Andrew Gachkar

DT- Sheldon Richardson

DT- Lorenzo Williams

DT- Ziggy Hood

CB-Carl Gettis

CB- Shirdonya Mitchell

DE- Jaquies Smith

S- David Overstreet