Green’s big day leads to smiles
Seldom-used senior running back puts on show in blowout.
TALLAHASSEE — It didn’t matter that the opponent was Delaware State. Nor did it concern him that the game already had been decided long before he stepped on the field.
The only thing that mattered to Ryan Green on Saturday was that the football was back in his hands.
In a real game.
With a scoreboard tabulating the points, and with fans in the stands.
“I know I can play,” Green said. “Everybody knows I can play. It’s just a matter of opportunity. And hopefully I can get more.”
How many more opportunities Green will get while in college is to be determined, but there’s no denying that Florida State’s senior tailback made the most of the ones he received Saturday.
After entering FSU’s 77-6 blowout victory in the second quarter, Green immediately flashed the speed that made him one of the nation’s top prospects in the class of 2013. His first two carries went for 13 and 16 yards, respectively, and he later would add touchdown scampers of 5 and 50 yards.
The 50-yard run capped the scoring on the day. The 5-yarder was his first touchdown carry since 2013, when he saw mop-up duty on the Seminoles’ national championship team.
Even though he has at least two more games remaining at FSU, including Saturday’s against Florida, it was a fitting bookend for Green’s career, considering that the Delaware State game was the Seminoles’ Senior Day.
“It’s been a while since I’ve been in the end zone,” Green said. “It’s just a great feeling to have, especially on Senior Day with my parents here watching me.”
Coming out of St. Petersburg Catholic five years ago, Green was rated the nation’s No. 3 all-purpose back and a top-75 player in the country. He was FSU’s fourthstring running back that season, but he actually a saw a good deal of action because the Seminoles enjoyed so many convincing victories.
Green carried the ball 33 times that year and averaged 4.9 yards per carry. He never would have thought it at the time, but it would be the most playing time he would see his entire career.
While battling injuries in 2014, Green got the ball just six times. He missed 2015 with a shoulder injury, then carried the ball 11 times in 2016. And before Saturday, he had three rushing attempts this season.
That’s part of the reason why team mates were so excited when he scored on the 5-yard run in the third quarter Saturday. And why they erupted in jubilation when he later broke loose for the 50-yard score.
“The second he scored a touchdown, I was off my feet going there to celebrate with him,” said senior defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi, who considers Green one of his closest friends on the team. “The second time he did it, I was already over there waiting for him to come off the field.”
In an age when many college athletes look to transfer when they don’t see early playing time, teammates say Green’s attitude is refreshing.
When asked Saturday why he never looked to leave for another school with a more appealing depth chart, Green said there were several reasons. For starters, he wanted to finish what he started.
“I’ ve definitely been through a lot,” Green said. “I think it speaks a lot on my character. It shows a lot on my loyalty side that if I make a commitment, I’m gonna keep that commitment.”
Despite finishing Saturday’s game with a careerhigh 96 yards and two touchdowns on seven carries, Green knows there are no guarantees he will see much action the rest of his FSU career. The Seminoles have must-win games looming against Florida and Louisiana-Monroe before even thinking about a possible bowl appearance.
And the lion’s share of the carries undoubtedly will go to junior Jacques Patrick and freshman Cam Akers.
But even if his seven rushing attempts on Saturday were the last of his college career, Green is convinced that they won’t be the last in the sport he loves. He came to FSU with the goal of using it as a springboard to a career in the NFL.
And just like he never left Tallahassee seeking greener pastures, he has never lost focus of that dream, either.
“That’s been the goal since day one,” Green said. “I’ve battled injury and I’ve been through a lot of trials and t r ibulations. But I’m still standing, and I still plan on going to the league.”