Countdown to Kickoff: 93 Days (Ralph Green)

Written by: Alex Compton (@alexncompton)

#93

There are now 93 days remaining until the Indiana Hoosiers kick-off the 2016 season in Miami against the Florida International Golden Panthers. Join us each day for each part of our 100-day countdown to the opener! Today is the day to focus on Ralph Green III, so strap it down as we look at the senior defensive lineman. 

Ralph Green III

-Height: 6’5”
-Weight: 320 pounds
-Hometown: San Antonio, Texas
-Position: Defensive Tackle

With a large amount of turnover on the defensive line this offseason, all eyes will be on #93 as the 2016 season gets underway. “RG3” is a fifth-year senior, and has all of the skill needed to anchor an inexperienced defensive line unit this season. In three seasons of action so far, Green has played in all but two games, and has racked up 12 starts over that span. At 6’5”, he clearly has the body to play in the trenches at this level, but many Indiana fans have wondered if he can become the dominant player that many thought he would during his career. With undeniable strength and a knack for flying to the ball, Green certainly has the talent to become a dominant player, and one that opposing quarterbacks will have to identify before every play. 

In years past, IU’s defensive line units have been underwhelming, but there was at least experienced depth. This year is completely different, as there are only a few players with meaningful game experience back on the depth chart. That is why it is important for Green to not only perform, but to lead as well. He has had his share of off-field issues during his time in Bloomington, but he must now prove to the coaching staff that he has learned from those mistakes and is ready to lead a group of young, but talented linemen. 

Last year as a redshirt junior, Green totaled 17 tackles with 1 sack and 6 pass breakups. These numbers were almost identical to the ones he put up as a redshirt sophomore, in one less game. In order for returning defensive line coach Mark Hagen’s line to take a step in the right direction this year, Green needs to put up bigger numbers in his final season. Totals in the 24-25 tackle range along with 2 sacks and 7 pass breakups are numbers that are certainly reasonable to expect of the big man. RG3 has the most experience of anyone, and should see a large increase in the number of snaps he plays this season. If Coach Hagen can turn Green’s untapped potential into production for each play during every game, there really is no telling how great Green can be for the Hoosiers this year. 

Share any memories or expectations you have of Ralph Green III as a player in the comments section (or on the message boards) and be sure to come back to Hoosier Huddle each day during our countdown!