A cynic may argue something that appears to be so perfect must mean there’s something rotten beneath it. There are those that believe that if “haters” do not exist in your world, then you are obviously not doing your job sufficiently. When you encounter such a young person that can silence even the most loquacious cynics, then you have met what Sir Winston Churchill refers to as the characteristic of a GREAT man and that’s the power to leave a lasting impression on the people he meets.
The 5-10, 195lb senior is not only one of the most sought-after prospects for his skills at the RB position. He is coveted for his character and ability to stick to self-created principles even when faced with the everyday struggle of being a teenager, let alone a highly visible target for hundreds of thousands of adults to hem and haw over his every move until National Signing Day 2013.
Ryan’s decision to ride out the storm of losing seasons endured with the Barons instead of playing for the school down the street (Admiral Farragut) that played for a state championship last season has been nothing short of admirable. Yet the decision when discussed sounds like it was a no-brainer. Even though he could have joined former teammates Rodney Adams and Dante Fowler Jr. (who actually left SPC to attend Lakewood originally), he made a decision that pretty much had nothing to do with football when you hear him speak about it.
“It was either St. Pete Catholic or Admiral Farragut, but I’ve always been the type of guy that if I start something I’m going to finish it.” Green was fully aware of the difficulty that lied ahead, but not exactly where you would think it would be, (which is the state of the football program.) He instead emphasized the rigorous curriculum at SPC as a major factor. “From the beginning I knew it would be a tough school, but I knew I could stand up to the challenge.”
Asked if he could put his finger on it a little closer, Green continues; “It’s a little bit of both (in terms of the reasons beyond football such as faith and leadership). The Catholic school system invites you in. It invites families in. It encourages a relationship with God while still being accepting other students’ faiths. It also lets me know that I will certainly be ready for the next level academically.”
Only sporadically up until the firestorm (both negative and positive) that has surrounded professionals like Tim Tebow with regards to speaking openly about their faith, did the casual fan about the mingling of religion and sports. Now it’s quite possibly one of the most divisive topics across all cultural lines. Even if the messenger is as genuinely humble and is simply answering a question posed honestly like Ryan.
It reminds me of a quote by one of the most famous authors dealing in satire, Mark Twain. He writes, “Few things are harder to put up with than the annoyance of a good example.” Quite appropriate it would seem, don’t you think?
Green isn’t shy about expressing his comfort-level and happiness at SPC, further highlighting the principle of loyalty that he’s kept to the Barons.
“The school invites you in. It invites families in. It encourages a relationship with God. Their academics let me know that no matter where I go, I’m going to be ready for the next level in that regard. Even with the bad seasons, it really didn’t faze me at all because in the long run I knew how good the school was good for me as a whole. I’ve stayed where I’m at because I feel like I can help turn this program around even if I’m in my last year.”
As mentioned his seasons spent in South Pinellas haven’t been filled with championship-level success. The Barons have been one of the schools that have made a coaching change in the past two seasons and Green recognizes the toll it took on his team. The Barons are just 8-22 since he been at SPC, but he’s not letting that stand in the way of the moral behind the message.
“With us we had new coaching staffs trying to put new offenses and defenses and we only have about 20 guys, so it got tough, but you still keep going and put it on the line for each other.”
His success to this point according to him is measured by the fact that he’s set up for success by those around him, not just what inside of him. “I’m blessed to be around great people all the time and my academics are coming along even though it’s a tough, tough school and just basically being a good person.”
He’s also considering studying in college what happens to be his biggest challenge in the classroom. “My hardest class is probably Marine Biology, but maybe something like Biology or Zoology would be my choice in college to study [at this point.]”
Another major aspect he’s completely, yet very respectfully aware of is the essential need for consistency and quality within the coaching ranks in order for the south county teams to succeed. “It’s coaching. Once the coaching in South county gets going that will be the game changer.”
For now, it is guys like him and Class of 2014 emerging talent 6-6, 244lb TE Riley Gibbons (Green’s best friend off the field) it’s all business as they prepare this offseason; “For us, we have a good shot at winning games this year. I’m a senior. It’s my last year. It’s my last go around. I’m just trying to be a leader and get everybody on the same page. It’s time to forget about the past and play ball.”
SPC Recruiting Update: Speaking of Gibbons, spoke to both him and his father and the sophomore is starting to burst on to the scene. Just recently Gibbons was offered by Tennessee and is pretty much a shoe-in to get an offer from Notre Dame. This summer he plans to hit all of the major in-state programs for their camps and scrimmages.
Although admittedly a long way to go in the process of becoming a better player at his position, one thing you can’t teach is size and his exhaustive work ethic. He and his Dad were quite pleased with his progress to this point and are truly enjoying hitting the recruiting trail. Better make sure you keep his name and progress on the brain for the next 2 years!