NJ linebacker has plenty of options

Early in the recruiting process linebacker Michael Green wasn't mentioned in the same breath as some of the region's other top players. Now that he has several offers in hand, Green is finally getting the respect he deserves.

"At first I guess I was a little concerned," said Green. "But when you get that first offer it takes a big load off of you. Now that I'm up to six offers the pressure is just about totally off. Now I'm just going to have to sort through the schools I'm still interested in and narrow my list down. It feels good to have several options and to not really be limited in the choices I have."

Those offers are from Virginia Tech, South Carolina, Maryland, Indiana, Illinois and Temple. Are all of those schools near the top of his list?

"Well, I'm still considering all the schools that have offered," said Green. "But if I had to make a list of favorites not just based on the offers I already have it would definitely have Nebraska, Miami, North Carolina, Virginia and Virginia Tech on it. All those programs are prestigious and have potential. I'd love to get offers from a couple more schools from that list."

Green has only visited Virginia thus far, and doesn't plan on using up all his official visits.

"My coach told me he thinks I should only take three official visits," he said. "I'm going to try to find that balance between putting together a great senior year and determining what's best for me in my future. I'll probably make my decision around Christmas, after three or so officials."

At 6-foot-1 and 235 pounds, Green runs the 40-yard dash in 4.7 seconds. Is he being recruited just to play linebacker?

"Actually a lot of schools seem interested in me as a fullback. I'm probably most polished as a linebacker, but I think I could play well on either side of the ball."

Green believes his Westville (N.J.) Deptford team could challenge for a conference championship this year. While he puts the team before himself, he does have one specific personal goal.

"I'd like to rush for 1,000 yards this year," said Green, who ended last year with 800 yards on 120 carries. "That 1,000 yard mark is always important for a running back as a personal goal. That's something you can carry with you. I know fullbacks in college don't get too many carries, so I figure I better get my yards now while I can."

Along with his 800 yards and six touchdowns on the ground, Green recorded 95 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, four sacks and an interception at linebacker.