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Justin Smith, Ian Kinsler voted to Mizzou Hall of Fame

The Missouri Tigers are inducting some big-time names into their next hall of fame class, including Justin Smith and Ian Kinsler.

By Kevin Jeffers
USA TODAY Sports

Two names who went from wearing Missouri Tigers stripes to stellar professional careers are being inducted into the school's hall of fame: Texas Rangers second baseman Ian Kinsler and San Francisco 49ers defensive lineman Justin Smith.

Kinsler and Smith join a group of five that will be inducted in the 23rd class of the Missouri Intercollegiate Athletics Hall of Fame in February. Also gaining induction this year are former NFL offensive lineman James Taylor (who played for the Tigers in the '70s), former All-American volleyball player Christi Myers and the hall's first tennis player, Helen Wilson.

Kinsler played for the Tigers in 2003, when he helped lead Mizzou to the NCAA Tournament. He was drafted by the Rangers that year, and since debuting in 2006, he has made three All-Star teams.

Smith plays along side fellow ex-Tiger Aldon Smith in San Francisco to form one of the league's most formidable pass rushes. He was a first-team All-American in his junior season at Mizzou in 2000, after which he went on to a productive durable NFL career with the Cincinnati Bengals and 49ers.