From 2-star to NFL Prospect: T.J. Green declares for NFL Draft

by David Hood - Senior Writer - Wed Jan 13 13:35:21 GMT-05:00 2016

Clemson junior safety T.J. Green listened to the advice of former roommate Jayron Kearse, and that advice has earned Green a chance at the NFL.

Green told TigerNet Wednesday afternoon that he has elected to forego his senior season and will declare for the 2016 NFL Draft.

Green released a statement to TigerNet through his agents, Element Sports Group, which covers the reasons for his decision.

“After careful thought & consideration, I have decided to forego my last year of eligibility at Clemson and enter the 2016 NFL Draft. My dream has always been to play in the NFL, and I feel like Clemson has prepared me for that opportunity. I am ready to take the next step in pursuing that dream. I am so thankful to all the coaches and support staff at Clemson for giving me the amazing opportunity to be a Tiger. Playing for Coach Swinney, Coach Reed, and Coach Venables has been an amazing experience and a huge blessing. I must also thank my teammates, my brothers, for this amazing journey and experience. Without them, I wouldn’t be in this position. Death Valley is an amazing environment, and Clemson fans are the best in the country. It was a huge honor to play for the Tigers, and I will cherish those memories forever.

Green had 95 tackles this past season, with 5 ½ tackles for loss, one sack, three passes broken up, three passes defended and two forced fumbles.

Green was a late addition to Clemson’s 2013 recruiting class out of Sylacauga (AL) and was seen by many as strictly a fit on special teams. Recruited by co-offensive coordinator Jeff Scott – who is also Clemson’s wide receivers coach – Green was ranked as just a two-star recruit by Rivals. He only had two scholarship offers from Power Five conference schools — Clemson and Auburn.

Then, after signing with Clemson as a wide receiver and catching two passes as a true freshman in 2013, Green had a conversation with Kearse, who convinced him to move to the defense. Kearse also declared for the draft Wednesday.

The move worked to perfection, and Green was solid in 2014. He had 24 tackles and one interception while playing in a backup role.

After careful thought & consideration, I have decided to forego my last year of eligibility at… https://t.co/CpqaZzmsqO
— T.J. Green (@BossGreen256) January 13, 2016

Welcome to the #ElementFamily TJ Green (@BossGreen256)! Let's go to work! #Clemson #Allin pic.twitter.com/n7N8OkxKc0
— Element Sports Group (@element_sports) January 13, 2016