Crusaders freshman a phenom in the making

Just 14, Christian Green has wowed Tampa Catholic coaches and teammates.

By SCOTT PURKS
Published November 16, 2006

TAMPA - Yes, sir. No, sir. Yes, sir. No, sir. Yes ...

"That's all the boy (Christian Green) ever says," Tampa Catholic assistant coach David Lewis said. "He's so polite it's amazing, especially with the way kids are these days. But, you know, he's so quiet sometimes you can hardly hear him."

One day, Lewis said he asked Green, "Do you ever say anything other than, 'Yes, sir,' and 'No, sir?' "

Green said, "Yes, sir."

Green's baby face looked up to Lewis, his wide eyes about as serious as a 14-year-old boy can look. Lewis chuckled.

"You know," Lewis said. "He has a man's body, but he's a baby. We have to keep reminding ourselves of that."

Fact is, Green (6-2, 180 pounds) is one of the most gifted 14-year-old football players you will ever find - anywhere.

Tampa Catholic coach Bob Henriquez said Green is ahead of where Darrell Jackson was at the same point. The same Darrell Jackson that led the nation in receiving in high school, starred at the University of Florida and plays for the Seattle Seahawks.

"I never thought I'd say it because you only get one player like Darrell Jackson in a lifetime," said Henriquez, who coached Jackson from 1994-96 at TC. "But I'm not exaggerating when I say (Green) is bigger, stronger and faster than Darrell was at the same point. (Green) is also as coordinated as Jackson was and has the same type instincts. What we're talking about here is a kid with unlimited potential."

Receiver Eric Gerken said in the past few weeks he has stopped a moment and thought, "(Green) is the type of guy who will be playing for the University of Miami or the University of Florida someday. He's that good."

Quarterback Dickie de Lama said, "(Green) is great now, but if you imagine what he might be like in four years then you think, 'Man, he'll be unbelievable.' "

Henriquez said Green is still "extremely green." He's still learning how to read defenses, run routes and break off routes.

That aside, the freshman ranks second with 27 catches among Crusader receivers, who are among the best in the county. He also is first among team wideouts with 10 touchdowns, catching a few while being double teamed.

Green, the fastest Crusader with a sub 4.5 in the 40, won't let all this praise go to his head.

"No, sir," he said, then added, "I want to stay humble."

For the moment the focus is Friday when Green will play in the biggest game of his life, Tampa Catholic's (9-2) region final against Clewiston (11-0).

Is he nervous, like he admitted to being on the first day he stepped onto TC's practice field?

"No, sir," Green said.

More excited than nervous?

"Yes, sir," Green said. "I'd say that's it."

And that was about it from Green, whom Henriquez said seems to get his politeness from his parents, one of whom is Hiram Green, who played basketball for USF in the late 1970s.

"Bottom line," Henriquez said, "is that Christian has got it all going for him. If he puts his mind to it, the sky is the limit."

Scott Purks can be reached at purks@sptimes.com or (813) 226-3353.

[Last modified November 16, 2006, 02:24:15]