Interview: 4-Star 2022 California WR/DB Kevin Green is Ready for the Season and Visits
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
After a Freshman All-American season in 2018, Kevin Green Jr. did not disappoint in his follow up with Bishop Alemany. Following up on a 77-reception, 854-yard, and six-TD season, Green (6-0, 155) splintered California defenses for 1,076 yards off 81 catches with eight trips into the end zone. He added the athlete label to his resume lining up in the Warriors secondary putting an end to 25 plays, 17 solo, with one pick. College football programs want the four-star’s game breaking speed on their roster when the 2022 class signs with 13 offers do so far.
In a return visit to the RNG Lab, Green gives a preseason preview with insight on his potential visits this summer.
Interview
Kevin, all that hard work and all those long hours pushing yourself to be a better athlete and football player is finally coming to fruition. How does it feel to be on the verge of starting your junior season?
I am excited. As soon as I became hopeless, this surprised me. I am excited to play my junior year.
Last we spoke you were focused on reading your keys, your hips, and getting in and out of your breaks as a DB. What else have you been working on with your fundamentals?
My strength. There is always room to improve, my hands, hips, coming out of breaks, and stopping on a dime. I have also been working on catching in traffic.
You also said that you were going back to basics as a receiver reworking your game. What were the keys parts to your workouts this fall and winter on offense?
Being more of a deep ball threat. My freshman and sophomore year, I was not doing that. That is what I have been working on. Someone has to take the top off now.
Your speed is such a difference maker. Update us on how you’ve worked to improve your straight-ahead speed and agility.
Footwork and cone drills. RDOs with dumbbells, step-ups, stairs, and high knees.
Did you play 7v7 this winter? If so, which team did you play for?
Premium Team Supreme
How did your 7v7 season go?
It was good. We got cheated out of two tournaments, but it is cool.
Getting those reps in against other top talents, where were you showing improvements in your game on both sides of the ball?
I feel like I improved most on getting off the press and as soon as the ball is snapped, I am five yards downfield. Getting in and out of my breaks and spending no time at the line off the snap has improved a lot.
When the Warriors get going, what are some of the routes you’ll be running this season?
A lot of digs, outs, and screens – my favorite.
And what are some of the coverages you’ll be executing?
We call it a Warrior, but it is really a strongside linebacker. I thought I was playing DB this year, I am still in the mix at DB, but I will be starting at outside linebacker. We are working in man and I will guard their No. 2 receiver to 10 and then I have the flats.
When is Alemany’s first game?
March 18, on Thursday against Notre Dame. They have Notre Dame ranked higher than us, but it’s cool. We feel disrespected. We will show them.
Did you guys get a scrimmage in yet or do you have one coming up?
No. We were supposed to scrimmage Loyola but that was cancelled. Now we are just waiting for first game.
With recruiting, which schools are watching you ahead of the season?
Washington, Colorado, Syracuse, and I’ve been receiving letters from Vanderbilt.
How many offers have been given to you?
I have 13 offers.
Which programs were the last couple to offer you?
Stanford, Wazzu, and San Diego State.
Green’s Offer Sheet: Arizona State, Cal, Nebraska, Oregon, Oregon State, Penn State, San Diego State, Stanford, Tennessee, UNLV, USC, Utah, and Washington State
Visits are supposed to open up in June. When that happens, are there any programs you may go see?
Most definitely. I want to visit Stanford, Cal, Washington State, Utah; all the Pac-12 mainly. I want to see the whole Pac-12.
Kevin, I appreciate your time today. Wishing you and the Warriors success with the upcoming season.
Thank you.
Photo credit: Green family; Kevin Green Jr (2019)