PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – The player who will get the opportunity to be the next Steelers center wasn’t even an offensive lineman when he started his college career.
Kendrick Green came to Illinois in 2017 as one of the top 5 high school players in the state and top 25 defensive tackles in the country. Upon arriving at Illinois he redshirted his freshman year. Then a conversation with Illini head coach Lovie Smith, who had a need, about moving over to offense. There was a realization by Green.
“I was awful on defense,” Green said bluntly about the move.
Immediately Green became a starter, all 12 games at left guard as a redshirt freshman. Then after 12 more starts as a sophomore, recognition started coming. All-Big 10 honorable mention, Pro Football Focus named Green an honorable mention All-American.
It came together in 2020 getting on watch lists and due to an injury to the starting center, played 3 games in the middle and another 5 at guard. Green got even more love as All-Big Ten first team and USA Today second team All-American. The first Illinois offensive player to do that since 2011.
Now an opportunity to be the next Steelers center after selected in the third round of the NFL Draft Friday night.
“I play physical,” Green said. “I play fast. I try and play hard and finish guys. I feel like there is a place for that anywhere.”
While he doesn’t agree with scouting reports that he has some issues in pass protection, he has spent time working at it. He also says with the position changes he dealt with in college. He’s had to adapt in a hurry. Green says he will learn as much as he can as quickly as he can.
“I’m just looking to come and fit right in,” Green said. “Looking to be a sponge, soak up whatever from the older guys. Looking to be a workhorse and be ready to get to work.”
Likely Green will get a first shot at center, but will be competing with the re-signed BJ Finney and JC Hassenauer at that position.
If there is one trait we could sense from a few minutes on a Zoom call, Green doesn’t lack confidence.
“I feel like I’m the most athletic offensive lineman in this year’s class,” Green said. “I play with a mean streak. I’m lookin’ to play physical and finish guys. I think that is something that will translate well.”