Markus Golden

The impressive legacy at Missouri of producing standout NFL defensive linemen is in capable hands with Golden, who quietly finished with more tackles and similar big plays a season ago as a reserve as Michael Sam, the co-SEC Defensive Player of the Year and Kony Ealy, a second round pick. Despite playing an estimated 40 percent of the snaps last season, Golden recorded 55 tackles, including 13 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks. Golden also broke up eight passes, including one against Toledo in which he tipped to himself for the interception and raced 70 yards for a touchdown. Golden exploded onto the SEC scene in 2013 after serving as a backup and on special teams in his first season on campus. Golden transferred to Missouri a year earlier after recording an eye-popping 90 tackles, including 26 tackles for loss and 10 sacks (along with five forced fumbles and two interceptions) while at Hutchison Community College. Along with teammate Shane Ray, Golden ranks top-five in the SEC in sacks (8.5) and tackles for loss (16) and has a well-rounded skill-set to play the run and get after the passer.

strengths

Shows the flexibility, athleticism and hand technique to beat blockers in space, using his quick eyes to read and adjust on the move. Plays with energy and a relentless style that makes it tough to slow his momentum, finishing with violence at the ball.

his big plays often come with a counter back to the inside, where he can out-quick and over-power blockers due to good agility, balance and core strength. uses his hands well to deflect' blockers' attempts to latch on, showing good power to shock opponents back onto their heels with his punch.

One of Golden's most impressive qualities is his awareness in the passing game. When unable to get pressure on the quarterback, Golden times his leaps well and shows good hand-eye coordination to deflect passes at the line of scrimmage.

weaknesses

Like Michael Sam, Golden sports a powerful, relatively compact frame rather than the lengthy athletic build scouts prefer at defensive end. Is not an elite rusher off the edge.

Was a record-setting running back and linebacker at Affton High School before that

As a senior, ran for a record 2,264 yards and 30 touchdowns while also making 108 tackles and 10 sacks

His junior season saw him record a school-record 168 tackles and 16 sacks, while he also ran for 1,139 yards and 16 scores

Was his team's captain each of his last two years at Affton

A skilled hoopster as well, who was named his basketball team's MVP in 2010

High school coach - Dan Oliver.

Parents - Markus Eberhart & Rhonda Golden

Enjoys working out, playing NCAA Football on PS3 and hanging out with family and friends

Committed to Mizzou early in his high school career and never really considered other schools, and stayed true to that commitment over the last two years in junior college

Says that he came to Mizzou because he's been waiting to play here his whole life.