Mizzou’s Markus Golden is eager to carry the torch for ‘D-Line Zou’

Markus Golden sees himself as the latest in a long line of productive Missouri defensive linemen to play in the NFL, and he made it quite clear at the NFL Combine on Friday that it’s a responsibility he does not take lightly.

“I know I’m going to continue the tradition in the NFL — it means a lot to me,” Golden said. “Everybody’s got pride to play for ‘D-Line Zou.’ If you’re going to play for D-Line Zou, you’ve got to get out there and make plays.”

Golden had a strong senior season at Missouri, finishing the year with 78 tackles and 10 sacks while flashing a non-stop motor that he hopes NFL teams appreciate and respect.

“I know what they’re going to see,” Golden said. “They’re going to see a guy out there playing hard, never takes a play off, and a guy that’s got production. I’m always making plays.”

Golden, a 6-foot-2, 260-pounder who is projected as a third- or fourth-round pick by CBSports.com, has been dinged for his short arms (31 1/8 inches), which could theoretically keep him from getting into linemen’s bodies.

But Golden refuses to believe that it’s a legitimate issue.

“I don’t believe it — I feel it’s overrated,” Golden said. “You can check my film. I’ve got production, man. Watch my film … I’m gonna go hard, study them, study the film. I’m not going to change up anything I’m doing. No matter who I’m going against, I’m always going to be able to make plays.”

This story was originally published February 20, 2015 at 6:07 PM with the headline "Mizzou’s Markus Golden is eager to carry the torch for ‘D-Line Zou’."