When Stephiylan Green arrived at Clemson the Tigers were loaded with depth at defensive tackle.
Despite being a highly-touted prospect coming out of high school, Green would find himself behind a slew of veterans including both Tyler Davis and Ruke Orhorhoro, who are both now playing on Sundays in the NFL.
Then there were guys like Payton Page, Tre Williams and fellow freshman Peter Woods that were ahead of Green on the depth chart. Due in part to that depth, Green would redshirt last season, appearing in just two games and playing just 13 snaps.
However, Green insists that sitting and learning for a season was beneficial and that it has only made him better.
“I was behind Tyler Davis and Ruke Orhorhoro and Payton Page and still behind Cuddy (DeMonte Capehart) and them,” Green said. “They done taught me so much. They are some hard working people and you can see all their hard work is paying off in the NFL. It was definitely a great learning experience and I am glad to be where I am right now.”
The redshirt year also helped Green with the transition from the high school game to college, something that can be difficult for many players.
“The hardest thing, in high school, you’re like the best player on the team. so sometimes you just do whatever you want,” said Green. “But in college you got to really take coaching, learn the fundamentals. When talent meets talent you got to have great technique, great fundamentals. And learning the gameplan. Because we didn’t have that many plays in high school. Just learning the gameplan and studying film, that was the hardest part.”
On top of having so many veteran players to lean on and learn from, Green also has the luxury of being coached by Nick Eason, who he calls the best assistant coach in the country.
Green credits Eason for playing a big role in his development, which was on full display in the Tigers’ 66-20 win over App State on Saturday night. He saw his most extensive action to date in the victory, finishing with three tackles, two that went for a loss and a sack.
“He demands the best,” Green said. “He hold everybody accountable, treats everybody the same. I probably wouldn’t be where I am today… I feel like he’s the best coach in the nation. I love that I’m under him and he’s taught me how to be a man, how to be a great player. Teaching me the fundamentals and teaching me to stay humble.”
A limited number of signed footballs from Clemson’s 2022 class are still available. Get yours while supplies last! Visit Clemson Variety & Frame or purchase online!
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