E. J. Gaines

Edwin "E. J." Gaines (born c.?) is an American football cornerback for the Missouri Tigers.

High School
Gaines attended Fort Osage High School in Independence, Missouri. He was a two-time First-Team All-State performer, and helped lead his team to the Missouri Class 5 title game as a senior in 2009. He had a monster senior season, as he ran for 1,500 yards and 20 touchdowns and caught 20 passes for 400 yards, while also starring in the secondary by making 72 tackles and two interceptions. He turned in an 89-tackle season as a junior, when he added 5 interceptions (including one he returned for a score) in 2008. He recorded 88 stops and five interceptions as a sophomore in 2007. He was also a standout performer in track and basketball for his school, as he won all-state honors in track two different years.

Considered a three-star recruit by Rivals.com, he was rated as the 51st best cornerback prospect in the nation. He accepted a scholarship offer from Missouri.

College Career
In 2010, as a true freshman, Gaines appeared in all 13 games recording 26 tackles, as a backup cornerback. In 2011, he won a starting position and set an MU record with 18 passes defended, while also finishing the season fifth on the team with 69 tackles, and two interceptions. He earned first team All-Big 12 honors. In 2012, he led the team with 11 pass break ups and finished with a career-high 74 tackles. He also forced two fumbles and had an interception. In his senior season, he intercepted a career high five passes while adding 75 tackles, earning himself an first-team All-SEC selection.