Former Missouri DE Markus Golden made a golden impact during his Mizzou tenure. During his senior year, he racked up 35 solo tackles, 43 assisted tackles, 20 TFLs for a loss of 95 total yards, 10 sacks for a loss of 66 total yards, 2 pass break ups, 2 passes defended, 3 recovered fumbles for 21 yards, and 3 forced fumbles in 13 games. The past, present, and future Mizzou defensive linemen call their school '#DLineZOU' due to the impact they have on college and NFL football. Here's what Golden had to say about bringing #DLineZOU to the NFL and preparing for the 2015 NFL Draft.
Q: Biggest changes in life since graduation?
A: Just living out my dream, which I’ve dreamed about doing since I was a kid. Training for the NFL, going to the combine and just experiencing all my dreams, so that’s the biggest thing that’s changed for me.
Q: Where did you train for the NFL Combine? What’s the facility about?
A: I did my combine training in Miami. They’re just making sure I get stronger in the weight room. Helping me get ready for the 225 test, explosiveness, really just with my speed. My 40 is faster, so I got better out there.
Q: You're training as a linebacker too. Any difference or is it muscle memory for you?
A: It’s kind of like it’s muscle memory, but at the same time I’ve got to get used to it. Really I’ve played linebacker my whole life - growing up, high school. My first time playing defensive end was at Missouri.
Q: How was the Senior Bowl and NFL Combine experience?
A: For the Senior Bowl it was just important for me to get out there and compete in front of the scouts, show them that I’m good at competing with some of the best in the country. It was a good experience, just got to know a lot of the coaches and a lot of the teams. It kind of got me ready for the combine. The combine came and went a little smoother and easier as far as the interviews because I knew what to expect. It’s like a big job interview that I’m getting ready for.
Q: What did you learn from both?
A: I learned a lot, things just change. It’s a job interview. At Mizzou, you’re part of a team, they want you. I got to pick Mizzou. Now, the team gets to pick you. It’s just working hard and grinding. Making sure I work hard every day, so I’ll be ready for whatever team picks me.
Q: Do you look up to any current NFL players?
A: I look up to a lot of different players, more like players that went to Mizzou – Sheldon Richardson, Sean Weatherspoon – guys like that on the field. And then, James Harrison, Robert Mathis, guys like that.
Q: What skill of yours do you think will play to your strength in the NFL?
A: Pass rushing, getting out there and working hard, getting after the quarterback, just getting out there and making plays.
Q: Headed back to Mizzou for Pro Day?
A: Yes. I’ll be training at the Pro Day. One of my last times being able to perform on the Mizzou field, just want to go out there and compete.
It’ll be good to get back and see my coaches and really help those young guys out, give them advice and let them know what to expect. Then, after that, I’ll be ready to take my next step and do bigger things and make everybody at Missouri proud.
Q: Best part of life right now?
A: Knowing that I’m working hard and close to my dreams that I’ll be able to live out. It’s just like another goal that I’m checking off. I’ve reached a lot of my goals since I was a kid through working hard, so I’ve just got to keep working hard.
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