Justin Gage, who owns virtually all of Missouri's major receiving records, decided to skip basketball to prepare for the 2003 NFL Draft. He went to Missouri as a quarterback and made the switch to receiver in his sophomore season. He played forward on the Tigers' basketball team the past three seasons, meaning he couldn't devote the offseason to honing his football skills. As he prepares for April's draft, SI.com users will have a chance to interact with Gage by submitting questions.

What do you think about the governor of Nebraska trying to pay the University of Nebraska football players?
-- Stephen, Fraser, Mich.

I would think it's good for college athletics if it went nationwide. It wouldn't be fair if one school was paying its players, while the other teams didn't. That wouldn't be fair at all. I think it would benefit college athletics overall. We athletes can't have jobs to make enough money to live and eat on. If it did happen, it would have to happen for all the schools, not just one.

Describe the experience of preparing for the NFL combines? Did you enjoy your experience?
-- Matt, Kansas City, Mo.

It was a great experience, just going out, being focused on running, lifting. I am in the best shape I've ever been in, and going against the best athletes in the nation was nice. I'd already heard a lot about what would go on at the combine, so I was ready for whatever they had. I really felt comfortable and very prepared. The Wunderlic [laughs] ... was interesting. It was my third, fourth time taking it, so that wasn't a big surprise. I've grown to like it.

Justin measured 6-foot-4, 217 pounds at the Scouting Combine. He did not participate in the drills, instead opting to focus on individual workouts for teams.

I am a big fan of Big 12 football. I was wondering who you thought was the best receiver in the Big 12, as well as the nation this past season, and why. Don't try to be politically correct on this one!
-- Brett, San Marcos, Texas

Wow, the best in the Big 12. ... Oklahoma State's Rashaun Woods is one of the best. The Big 12 had a lot of good ones -- Woods, Texas' Roy Williams, B.J. Johnson. As for the nation, the best are in the Big 12. It's a tough, physical conference. Every team in the conference is that way. It's the best conference in the nation.