The SEC featured two of the nation’s best defensive ends in 2014. Arkansas’ Trey Flowers and Missouri’s Markus Golden were senior leaders for both of their teams and anchored two of the best defensive fronts in the conference. Here’s a look at how the two players matchup in SDS’ player showdown.

THE CASE FOR TREY FLOWERS

A second-team All-SEC selection by the coaches, Flowers anchored a resurgent Razorbacks defense under first-year coordinator Robb Smith. The senior — named Tim Tebow’s Freak of the Year in the SEC — recorded 63 total tackles, good for third on the team. In addition, he added 13.5 tackles for loss and 5.0 sacks, six pass breakups, nine quarterback hurries, one fumble recovery and one forced fumble. Perhaps even greater than the numbers he posted, are his intangibles. The Huntsville, Ala., native has played for four different defensive coordinators and three head coaches in his four seasons in Fayetteville. He’s not the most talented defensive end in the SEC, but he’s made a career out of using his motor, relentless effort and constant pursuit to devastate offensive linemen.

THE CASE FOR MARKUS GOLDEN

Overshadowed much of the time by his defensive end counterpart, Shane Ray, Golden had a stellar season for the SEC East champs in the trenches. The senior recorded 68 total tackles in 2014, along with 16.0 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks, two pass breakups, nine quarterback hurries, three fumble recoveries and two forced fumbles. Golden book-ended a defensive line that led the SEC in sacks. Golden arrived in Columbia as a linebacker, but stepped in this season for the departed Michael Sam and didn’t miss a beat. Golden became just the second junior college transfer in head coach Gary Pinkel’s 14 seasons at Missouri to be voted a team captain.

VERDICT

Both players put together nearly identical senior seasons. Statistically, both proved themselves as two of the top defensive ends in the conference, and even more importantly, both players were the unquestioned leaders of their teams. What gives Golden the edge in this comparison is the continuity and consistency he enjoyed at Missouri. Flowers having to endure constant upheaval during his Arkansas career arguably slowed his production a little, having to relearn schemes and prove himself to new coaches.

Winner: Markus Golden