Frisky as a Colt: T.J. Green talks draft and Kearse

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Green is changing from Clemson orange to Colts blue and white.

Former Clemson defensive back T.J. Green was selected in the second round (57th overall pick) by the Indianapolis Colts in last Friday’s NFL Draft. Green had talked to the Indianapolis Colts head coach Chuck Pagano several times over the last few months, so he knew the Colts were a potential landing spot but the timing took him by surprise.

“It was just a crazy moment for me. They called two picks before it actually came on TV so, I wasn't expecting a call from them at the time,” Green told TigerNet. “But, when they called, I was excited. I know what Coach Pagano wants from me and what they can do for me - just to go into a place where I have a great situation to come in and play is great for me. It's just a great place for me to be.”

Green said he can’t wait to be coached by Pagano.

“He's just the type of coach who wants to see his players do great. He's going to do everything he can for you,” Green said. “He's a defensive back guy, so he knows what he's talking about. In that aspect of the game, he can really help me develop as a player and continue to develop so I can reach my full potential. I'm not far from that right now and I think playing under him will make me a great safety in this league.”

Green arrived at Clemson tagged as an “athlete.” However, he wanted to play wide receiver and spent a year there before roommate Jayron Kearse convinced him to move to safety. It’s a move he’s glad he made.

“I'm real glad I did that. We had a great idea for Clemson in that secondary and I'm glad we made that decision,” Green said. “I've always had dreams to be in the NFL. Coming to Clemson, I came in as an athlete. I was fully comfortable playing safety, but I wanted to be a receiver and obviously that changed, but coming into Clemson, I knew what I wanted to do. I knew what my goals were at Clemson and I knew what I needed to do to get to the next level.”

Green has a close relationship with Kearse, and it was hard to watch his roommate and friend last until the seventh round of the draft when the Vikings picked up the Florida native.

“It was frustrating for me. I was pissed. I know what type of player he is and what type of player he'll be in the league,” Green said. “He should have been taken higher in the draft than the seventh round. He's a great player. Some things got out that weren't true about him, but he's taking it well right now. I mean, he's hurt about it and I'm hurt about it. A player that talented should never fall that far in the draft. I was real hurt by it.”

Green will travel from his home in Alabama to Indianapolis later this week to get a head start on his NFL career.

“I get to Indianapolis this Thursday, and I'm going to get my playbook and get to work. I'm coming in with the idea that I'm going to fight for that spot,” he said. “I feel like I'm fully capable of playing as a rookie. I have never doubted myself with that. I'm going to do my best.”

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