Interview: Pierce 2017 JUCO FB Elijah Greene Working to be Top in his Class

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

If anyone was ever looking for a motivational story about hope, determination, and never giving up – I offer you the tale of Elijah Greene.

Greene’s story is nothing new to sports, and in a lot of ways is very common. But there are slight differences that are impactful on the spiritual journey of life that remind us to keep fighting and working towards our dreams.

Greene’s high school career was atypical as a 5’9”, 250-something pound offensive lineman for Rancocas Valley High School playing center. The New Jersey native was obviously never going to make a Division-I roster at that height and weight playing in the trenches, but that did not stop him from his goal of playing college football. After high school, Greene explored his collegiate options landing at Pierce junior college in Los Angeles (Woodland Hills).

Once on campus, the Pierce staff knew they had an athlete on their hands but had to figure out how to best utilize his talents. Combining his ability to run and block, the natural fit was at fullback. The move proved to be a win-win-win for both player, staff, and team. Greene was an instant neutralizer of linebackers within the offense occupying next level defenders allowing his running backs the opportunity to break off big gains to move the chains.

Well on his way to being a next level fullback within a Power-I scheme, Greene’s journey took a detour during his sophomore season when he tore the ACL in his left knee during a game against West LA. After rehabbing his knee from the October 2015 injury, Greene is back into the fold ready to claim a spot as the No. 1 fullback in the junior college ranks among Class of 2017 recruits.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with the under the radar recruit to get an overview on his freshman season, rehab, and high expectations for his sophomore season.

Interview

Elijah, you were a bell ringer during the 2014 season lighting up linebackers play after play. Was that always the case with you in high school?

“I actually started my high school career playing defensive line. My junior and senior seasons in high school I played center. I played running back in youth league. In high school, playing the different positions was confusing but it has all come full circle. I’m a great blocker as a fullback now because of my time playing center.”

You missed part of the 2015 season due to an injury, right?

“Yes sir. I tore the ACL in my left knee against West LA in October.”

Are you healthy and ready to get back in the mix in 2016?

“Yes sir. I’m ready for the season.”

How did your 2014 season go on the field?

“It was a good season at a new position. When I came out here, the coaches and players brought me in and supported me. They saw what I could do. I got some good experience and playing time in as a freshman. I made the best of it. I contributed on offense and special teams. My freshman year was better than I expected for my first year out of high school.

“2014 was a preview of things to come. I feel like I would have had a really big season last year. I’m ready to have a big season this year. Last year, in fall camp, I was doing my thing. I think I am the best fullback in the junior college ranks.”

What are some of the things you do well as a fullback?

“First off, I believe I am the best blocker in the nation (at fullback). I showed that on the field. I can run and catch the ball well in the flats. I’m a downhill runner.”

How have your off-season workouts been going?

“My workouts have been good. I’ve been working hard to get ready for the season.”

Have you set any personal and/or team goals for the 2016 season?

“My personal goals, I just want to help my team win and make big plays. I want to be better than I was before my injury.”

How will your role within the offense change this year as opposed to your freshman season?

“I’ll get some carries this year. I will be running the ball some this year and catching the ball this year. Our coaches will be using me more this year in the offense. I am excited to show my versatility this year.”

Are you getting any recruiting interest right now?

“Because of my injury, I’m not being heavily recruited right now. I have talked to New Mexico and some D-II schools but I think everyone is wanting to see how well I play this year before interest picks back up.”

When you have talked to the various colleges, what type of feedback have you received from the coaches about your game?

“They told me that I play big on the field. Some schools would like to see more pancakes. All the schools say I am strong holding my block. They like the contact and holes I create.”

Elijah, thanks for your time today and good luck with your sophomore season.

“Thank you.”

Link to Elijah Greene’s highlight reel on Hudl.

Photo credit: jucofrenzy.com; No. 46 Elijah Greene in action.

Photo credit:  Greene family; Elijah Greene works on extra ladder and agility drills.