Mizzou Morning Matters - University of Missouri Athletics
COLUMBIA, Mo. — We're not done with 2023, but it's not too early to start thinking about 2024, right? The Southeastern Conference made sure it was OK for two hours
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Each week we'll highlight the Best of Mizzou with a different theme. This week: Mizzou Football's best walk-ons in the last 25 years.
1. Cody Schrader (2022-23): When you win the award for the nation's best player who began his career as walk-on, you earn the top spot here. Schrader, the Burlsworth Trophy winner and Doak Walker Award finalist, leads the nation in rushing yards per game (124.9) heading into bowl season and this week became just the 15th consensus All-American in team history. Here's the esteemed company Cody joins as Mizzou's consensus All-Americans: Darold Jenkins (1941), Danny LaRose (1960), Johnny Roland (1965), Roger Wehrli (1968), Kellen Winslow (1978), John Clay (1986), Rob Riti (1999), Martin Rucker (2007), Jeremy Maclin (2007, 2008), Chase Coffman (2008), Michael Egnew (2010), Michael Sam (2013) and Shane Ray (2014).
2. Jeff Wolfert (2006-08): The three-time All-Big 12 kicker jumped off the diving board and onto the football field and became the most prolific kicker in program history. He still holds Mizzou's single-season scoring record (133, 2008) and until this season held the career scoring record (362). Wolftert drilled 185 consecutive PATs in his career, never missing a single attempt.
3. Tommy Saunders (2005-08): The wideout's walk-on status didn't last long as he quickly became a playmaker, a reliable third-down threat and a team leader and captain. The kid from Kearney teams loaded with major stars at receiver and tight end, Saunders finished his career with 150 catches — sixth-most in program history at the time — for 1,600 yards and 11 touchdowns. He also started 41 consecutive games — more than any Mizzou wide receiver before or since.
4. Colin Brown (2005-08): The big man from Braymer became a two-year starter at right tackle for some of the best offensive teams Mizzou fans have ever seen, anchoring the right edge as a two-time All-Big 12 performer who developed into an NFL draft pick and spent five years in the league.
5. Barrett Banister (2018-22): Another third-down standout, Banister became an incredibly valuable part of the passing game and by the end of his six-year stay at Mizzou had caught 137 passes for 1,269 yards and two scores.
In the running: OG Max Copeland, RB Dawson Downing, PK Grant Ressel, LS Beau Brinkley, PK Sean Koetting,
