To call Andrew Gachkar a survivor would be short-sighted.

Sure, the blood clots discovered in his arm and upper body after the 2007 season put his football career in doubt. The clots necessitated the removal of one of his ribs, to ease the problem, and Gachkar said there was a time he doubted if he could ever step back onto Faurot Field as a Tiger.

"Right after my surgery, for a couple of months," Gachkar said through a slight chuckle.

Yes, he's a survivor. But he's not just a survivor. Since his recovery, the 6-foot-3, 235-pound outside linebacker has been a catalyst on Missouri's defense and special teams.

He's gone from survivor to star.

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