Missouri senior center Tim Barnes and sophomore defensive end Aldon Smith have been named to the Preseason All-Big 12 Team, as announced on by the league office.
The team was voted on by media representatives who cover the conference.
Barnes returns as one of the top centers in the nation, earning spots on the watch lists for the Rimington Trophy, which given to the nation’s top center and the Outland Trophy, which recognizes the top college offensive and defensive lineman.
He enters the 2010 season, his third as the Tigers’ starter at center, with a string of 27-straight games started.
Last year, Barnes was part of an offensive line that allowed just 20 sacks in 13 games and helped Mizzou’s offense average nearly 30 points per game.
He earned All-Big 12 Honorable Mention honors in 2008, which was his first year he took over as the Tigers’ starting center.
Smith burst onto the scene last year, claiming Big 12 Defensive Newcomer of the Year award from the media and being named Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year by the coaches.
He was selected to the All-Big 12 Second Team by the media and earned All-Conference Honorable Mention from the coaches.
Smith also claimed Freshman All-America accolades as he broke Mizzou’s single-season sacks record in 2009 with 11.5 sacks, which ranked ninth nationally. He added 64 tackles, 19 tackles for loss.
Barnes, Smith and the rest of the Tigers will open the 2010 season with the State Farm Arch Rivalry game against Illinois on Sept. 4. Kickoff is set for 11:30 a.m. Mizzou’s home opener is Sept. 11 against McNeese State at Faurot Field.
Gametimes for the home opener, as well as MU’s games against San Diego State (Sept. 18) and Miami (OH) (Sept. 25) are expected to be announced soon.
Season tickets are still available and can be purchased by going online to mutigers.com, calling 1-800-CAT-PAWS (884-PAWS in Mid-Missouri) or visiting the Mizzou Arena Ticket Office.
For more information go to www,mutigers.com
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