Missouri Football: 7 Players Tigers Will Miss the Most

Missouri football fought valiantly through a rigorous schedule and came out positively with a 7-5 record and will play for the Independence Bowl on Dec. 26.

For the seniors, it will be their final game as Tiger football players. And many of them will be missed greatly.

As Missouri begins its transition to the SEC, we take a look back on some of the players who won't be able to make an even bigger impact in a new conference next season.

Austin Wuebbels, OL

Austin Wuebbels (No. 66) was a big-time offensive lineman for Gary Pinkel, and his leadership and skill will be missed greatly.

This season Wuebbels received an All-Big 12 Honorable Mention nomination for his services in opening holes for the Big 12's leading rushing attack.

Wuebbels has been a three-year starter for Gary Pinkel and has started 38 consecutive games over that time period.

Dominique Hamilton, DT

Dominique Hamilton (90) is one of the best run defenders the Big 12 has to offer, and his leadership played huge in the development of fellow lineman Sheldon Richardson.

Hamilton struggled with foot problems for much of his junior season, so for him to come back strong for a senior campaign was huge for the Tiger defense.

Hamilton's ability to take on two blockers will be missed in Columbia immensely next season.

Luke Lambert, LB

It's a safe statement that linebacker Luke Lambert played the best football of his career during his senior season.

He's Missouri's surest tackler and dissects offensive plays as good as anyone in the Big 12.

His play on the field this season earned him a All-Big 12 Honorable Mention, and his leadership and presence on defense will be missed by the Tigers next season in the SEC.

Jacquies Smith, DE

Jacquies Smith may be the best play-maker on the Missouri defense, and his strong play in 2011 earned him Second Team All-Big 12 honors.

He recorded 10 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks on the season and used his speed off the end to disrupt quarterbacks throughout the entire season.

He has a future on the next level, and Missouri will surely miss his tenacity next season.

Wes Kemp, WR

In his four years at Missouri, Wes Kemp was an average receiver, but his size and athleticism made sure defenses always knew where he was.

He caught 27 balls for 321 yards and four touchdowns, including a big score in the "Border War" against Kansas.

Kemp sometimes caused headaches for Tiger faithful, but he occasionally came up big in certain situations and that's why he'll be missed next season.

Kenji Jackson, SS

Safety Kenji Jackson was the energy source of the Tiger defense with his ball skills and ability to make open field tackles.

Jackson's intangibles spoke loudly this season as he was the only returning defensive back from the 2010 season, and he was able to put together a great senior season.

His on-field production earned him All-Big 12 Honorable Mention, and his leadership will be missed in the defensive secondary next season.

Michael Egnew, TE

Even though Michael Egnew didn't produce the senior season he had hoped for, words don't describe just how good a career he had as a Missouri Tiger.

He was a Mackey Award finalist his junior season where he caught 90 balls and five touchdowns.

Egnew was like the safety blanket for quarterback James Franklin and was always there when the team needed a big first down.

I'm not sure if any player leaving the Tigers program this season will be missed more than Egnew.