A 1-9 season can do one of two things to players on a football team; pull them apart or bring them closer. A 1-9 season can also damage an individual player’s attitude or extremely motivate him to be the savior of his team. St. Petersburg Catholic, RB/CB, Ryan Green has vowed to lead his team to a 2011 season better than a season ago. The 5-10/190lbs 2013 prospect is “The Guy” on campus. He is currently ranked as the top running back in Pinellas County and the 3rd best running back between Hillsborough and Pinellas County according to our latest player rankings. How does a stud stallion feel after a 1-9 2010 season, “Disappointment! I felt like I didn’t lead my team”. When speaking with him, I could see the conviction in his eyes. He really felt like he didn’t do enough. I would beg to differ. In 2010, Green not only did enough, but did almost better than any other back in Pinellas County. 115 rushing attempts, 1282 yards and 15 rushing TDs. Looks like somebody else did not pull their weight.
Insert new head football coach, Steve Dudley with new passion and expectations. I asked Ryan what the difference was between now and last season, “New coaches. New players. But we still need to get more discipline. We have players who believe now. Last year we did not have that”. Green feels that leadership is very important and it will come from no one but him. When asked how he would lead his team, his response was “Going every play 100 percent. If they see me doing it, they will do it”.
Green is a super explosive player and colleges have taken notice. To date, Kentucky, Virginia Tech., Notre Dame and Florida State have extended a verbal offer to Green. Colleges may think he is good, but Green feels that he has plenty of room for improvement. Currently, 2012 prospects, Matt Jones and Dazmond Patterson are the only RBs ranked ahead of Green. “I look up to those guys” says Green. Ryan is a very modest kid, but you can fell the passion for his craft. “I really want to beat Berkley Prep and CCC (Clearwater Central Catholic). Those Guys embarrassed us last year, but it won’t be the same this year”.
Ryan Green is a special player, who will have a number of options on where he would live to play college football. But for right now he is focused on making his team more competitive and improving as an football player. He has all the tools that a school would want in a running back. Can he lead SPC past 1 win, into the playoffs and to the state title game? Only time will tell. But for now, Green says to get the popcorn ready, “I’ll put on a show”.