JayhawkSlant.com - Green's wait is finally over

December 30, 2010

Jon Kirby

When Julius Green went on his visit to Kansas he made sure to take all of the necessary things recruits take. Clothes, cell phone, and all the standard items. But Green was also taking something extra and he was guarding it with care.

In August Green was supposed to be practicing with the Jayhawks, but the NCAA didn't accept one class. So it forced the defensive end to stay back home and take the class at Houston Community College. When Green took his visit to Kansas in the middle of December he had all the paperwork with him on the visit to prove he would be ready to go.

"I took all my papers with me and handed right them to the coaches," Green said. "I didn't trust faxing anything or mailing it. So I took them right up with me and gave them to the coaches. I wasn't going to have anything go wrong. At the end of my visit coach Carl Torbush asked me what the best part of my visit was and I laughed and said getting those papers in."

Once Green put the papers in the right hands he admitted he felt a relief and was able to enjoy his visit. He was hosted by defensive lineman Richard Johnson. He also got a chance to spend time with Jake Laptad, who talked with him about what it was like playing defensive end in the Big 12.

"We talked about a lot of stuff," Green said. "Laptad was telling me he weighs 275 pounds and I just weighed in at 269. It was cool to see how they all act and get along as a team. They all showed me how they live and introduced me to a lot of people."

Green said the last time he visited Kansas he was 242 pounds. Over the semester he spent a lot of time working out and adding weight. He wanted to report to Kansas ready to contribute right away.

"I've been ready to get up there since August 2nd," Green said. "All of this waiting has made me realize how bad I wanted to go to Kansas and play."

Coming out of Aldine High Green was an all-district and all-area selection. He was selected to play in two all-star games. But college recruiters didn't know much about him because he didn't qualify until after signing day. Once recruiters got the word his academics were in line Green picked up quick offers from Kansas, Iowa State, Houston, and Louisiana Tech.

"Some coaches said they liked my film but they didn't have a scholarship since it was after signing day," Green said. "Texas was also one of the schools that came in late."

Over the last four months Green stayed loyal to his commitment to Kansas. Defensive line coach Buddy Wyatt continued to bond with the defensive end and he also had several talks with Turner Gill.

"Coach Wyatt is cool and he stayed in touch with me the whole time," Green said. "We got closer the more we talked. I understood what he expects out of me. Coach Gill came by my house and him and my mom really connected. He really respected my mom and she appreciated that."

In about two weeks Green will start his way to Kansas. It's something he has been waiting for and is ready for the chance to prove what he can do.

"I'm going to give it all I have and stay focused," he said. "I've been through a lot to get there and I don't want to waste any chances."

Kansas NEWS

[More]

Latest Headlines:

Resources:

FEATURED PRODUCT