Interview with Overlooked Prolific 2020 Louisiana DE Donovan Green
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Racking up 100 tackles on the gridiron in a season at any level is a milestone worthy of adulation. Most players reaching that single-season plateau are inside linebackers and maybe the occasional safety. When players on the fringes start eclipsing that mark, something special is happening. During the 2019 Louisiana high school football season, Donovan Green closed out his senior year in style for Opelousas Catholic with a prolific season that is tough to imagine unless seen.
Every person in the Sportsman’s Paradise that crossed paths with Green during his last ride with the Vikings either came away impressed and/or battered and bruised. Among those that were impressed by the defensive end, opposing coaches and the local media lavishing him with worthy praise selecting him as first team All-District, first team All-Parish, first team All-Acadiana, first team All-Metro, first team Louisiana-Sports Writers All-State, first team Louisiana Football Coaches’ All-Defense along with District and Parish MVP.
The bruised were among the 114 ball carriers stopped in their tracks with 15 quarterbacks dropped behind the line of scrimmage with 13 tackles for a loss, five forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries with one touchdown scored. In addition to his play on the field, Green carries a 3.95 cumulative GPA and scored a 19 on the ACT. The only thing the 6-0, 250-pound, defensive end does not have going for him is the mass attention of college football staffs.
In an RNG exclusive interview, I sat down with one of Louisiana’s more impressive Class of 2020 talents covering his amazing senior season and recruiting process to date.
Interview
Donovan, after watching reel on you, there is an energy you bring to the field on each play. It appears that you not only enjoy getting after the opposition but have a true enthusiasm for the game. Why do you love to play football?
“I’ve loved it since I was a little kid. My hard work shows from the weight room to my play on the field. I never take plays off in a game or even in drills. I give 100 percent no matter what.”
You were beastly for the Vikings coming off the edge during your senior season. Of all the games played, which was your best?
“Port Allen was my best game in Week 5. I had 12 tackles, 2.5 sack, and one forced fumble.”
Impressive. Which areas of your game showed the most growth during the 2019 season?
“Probably in our first game of the season, I knew I was doing my best with how I was playing from the whole season last year. From camps, I worked on my moves every day. I would do my moves 100 times a day in practice. I worked on my open field tackling as well. I was the last one out of practice and the first one the field. I’d work on the extras then – my power moves, tackling, and pursuing.”
When the season ended, what did you feel were the strengths to your overall game?
“My ability to pass rush and defend the run. I was never fooled by QB pulling the ball. If it came my way, I was getting it. When the play started, I read the tackle to know what move to do to make the play.”
How have you been staying in football shape this offseason?
“I’ve been lifting every day. I’ve been doing core and ab work, getting bigger and faster.”
What are your maxes in the weight room?
“On bench my max is 320, on squat it is 565, and my power clean is 335.”
Wow. Those are fantastic numbers.
“Thanks.”
As a senior, I know recruiting is very important to you. Which schools are showing interest?
“Nicholls State, Northwestern, Southeastern, McNeese State, Murray State, Alabama State, and Grambling.”
Which schools have offered?
“McPherson, Concordia, Defiance, Wisconsin Lutheran, and Illinois D-II
Have you received any preferred walk-on offers?
“Yes. I have from Nicholls State and Northwestern.”
Which schools have you visited?
“Nicholls State.”
How did that visit go?
“It was good. I like the environment there and their coaches treated me well.”
Before you make your decision, do you have any other planned visits?
“I have Northwestern coming up.”
Donovan, thanks for your time today and I wish you success with your upcoming visit and with the remaining part of your recruiting process.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Opelousas Catholic/Green family; No. 58 Donovan Green