CAN’T STOP GREER
Mount Carmel grad earns scholarship at Eastern Illinois
Terrell Greer never doubted himself.
The 2016Mount Carmel graduate always believed hewas worthy of a major football scholarship, even though not a single Division I program felt the same way about the 5-foot-10, 310pound defensive lineman.
“I emailed at least 10 Division I coaches,” Greer said. “I emailed all theD-I coaches in Illinois.”
Only one responded: Eastern Illinois.
The knock on Greerwas his height— much like itwas for fellowMount Carmel grad Steven Richardson, whowent on to a marvelous career at Minnesota and is nowa member of the practice squad for the Los Angeles Chargers.
What talent evaluators failed to take into greater consideration regarding Greerwas his speed, strength, technique andwork ethic.
Those measurables can overcome a perceived lack of size and make one a towering figure on the field.
“I kept hearing Iwas undersized,” Greer said. “Itmademe upset.”
Eastern Illinois madeGreer an offer to be a preferredwalk-on. While that assuredGreer a spot on the team, it came without any scholarship money.
A handful of Division II schools, however, offered scholarship money.
“I had three Division II offers,” Greer said. “I’m not trying to downplayD-II, but I thought I was better thanD-II.”
Greer chose Eastern Illinois. Itwas a roll of the dice, for sure. But Greer had complete faith in himself.
The self-evaluation proved more accurate than any scouting report.
Nowa junior, Greer is a starter for the Panthers on theirD-line. He sawsignificant time as a freshman, started 11 games as a sophomore and has 19 tackles in three games this season.
Oh, and he’s on full scholarship.
Vindication.
“I’ve been motivated to prove doubters that I could play at the D-I level,” Greer said. “I have younger teammates who can’t believe Iwas awalk-on. I keep pushingmyself to get better every day.”
WhenGreer showed up to training camp as a freshman, he was a virtual unknown. Thatwould quickly change. “Iwas humble and justwaiting formy turn,” Greer said. “When I would getmy turn, Iwas ready to showthem that I belong.”
That opportunity arose early in camp when a starting defensive linemanwas ruled academically ineligible.
Greer crashed through the windowof opportunity.
As itwas, hewas coming off a superb career atMount Carmel. Hewas a dominant figure against Catholic Blue competition.
Sure, the Ohio Valley is a big step up. But in nowaywasGreer
intimidated by the challenge.
“I gained a knowledge of the game and a strongwork ethic fromMount Carmel,” Greer said. “When you think you’re pushing yourself as much as possible, I learned you have more to give.”
He also learned fromhis two older brothers, Brandon andDre, that he had the skills of a Division I player. Brandon played at Central Michigan and Dre is a senior at Minnesota Duluth.
“They believed inme and pushedme to alwayswork hard,” Greer said. “They knew what it took for me to get to this level.”
Greer said his size or, lack thereof, can be an advantage.
“It’s always easier to play lowand have leverage on offensive linemen when you’remy size,” he said.
Greer intends to keep playing football long after his college career ends. Yes, he wants to go pro.
“Iwant to get to the NFL,” he said. “That’s been a dream of mine. And to one day make it to the hall of fame.”
“I’m going to keep giving itmy all,” he said.
Terrell Greer knows no otherway.