Observer Preps Athlete of the Week: James Green

LAKE BUTLER James Green — our ObserverPreps.com Athlete of the Week — has helped to inject energy into an Olympia Titans football team that already was trending up before he and his younger brother, Josh, transferred in from Dr. Phillips.

“He’s a catalyst on the team — he makes the team go,” second-year head coach Kyle Hayes said. “He plays with a lot passion. He makes a play and he’s excited — and that just rubs off on everyone else.”

Through eight games, the senior linebacker leads the Titans in tackles (60 total, 26 solo) and tackles for loss (8). 

This past week, against Oak Ridge in a critical game to make the state playoffs, Green even got in on the scoring fun, being on the receiving end of a two-point conversion pass from Joe Milton.

“I’ve scored a touchdown (on defense) — that was my first offensive play,” Green explained.

The Green brothers have always been zoned for Olympia but competed for Dr. Phillips through its magnet program. Coming back to Olympia has been a success for the Greens, with the team making the playoffs for the first time since 2012.

“Even if we didn’t make the playoffs, it really wasn’t a disappointment,” Green said. “I was healthy, no injuries, got to meet new people and create a new brotherhood.”

Recruiting is picking up for the talented linebacker. FAU, FIU, Georgia State and Ohio have all expressed interested or extended scholarship offers, with other teams picking up interest. Focused on taking this team deep into the playoffs for now, Green says he is also looking forward to experience the recruiting process once the season concludes.

“That time is coming and I’m just ready to take my official visits later this month,” Green said.

Contact Steven Ryzewski at [email protected].