Chargers Prospect Interview: Illinois OL Kendrick Green

Chargers Wire’s Gavino Borquez sat down with a potential draft target in the middle rounds.

I was fortunate enough to sit down and talk to former Illinois guard Kendrick Green to pick his brain and get an inside look at his mindset going into this year’s draft.

Vitals

Height | 6-4

Weight | 315

College Bio Page

Overview

Green was recruited as a defensive tackle but switched to the offensive line as a redshirt freshman. Green started 33 games for the Illini, with 29 games at left guard and four at center. This past season, he was named USA TODAY second team All-America and All-Big Ten first team.

Green has good movement skills, is as durable as it gets and plays with a nasty disposition. While his pass protection is still a work in progress, he has the foot quickness, core strength and explosiveness up front to be impactful.

Green projects to be a strong contributor inside, either at center or guard. It may take him a year to carve up a starting role, but given his physical tools and willingness to take it to his opponents in the passing and running game, he profiles well to the next level.

Round Projection: 3rd-4th

Highlights

Describe your time working with Duke Manyweather, the leading expert on NFL offensive linemen.

I’m really enjoying it. Duke is one of the best at what he does and he’s taught me a lot. There’s a great group of guys out here, too.

You leave Illinois for the next level as an experienced interior offensive linemen. You really were one of the leaders of that offense. How does that experience serve you well going forward?

Being a leader you learn as you go to become a better teammate than you already are. Also, getting the trust from the guys in the locker room is a big thing for me, as well.

What do you enjoy the most about playing on the offensive line?

I like being a part of a wave, ya know? A unit, but of multiple parts. I think that’s the best part, but you get to play physical at all times.

Most of your experience has come at left guard, but you’ve played center. What do you feel is your best position at the next level?

I think I play both very well. I’ve been working on both in my training, snapping the football and working on some guard stuff, as well. Wherever a team wants me, I going to play at 110%.

Is there one scheme that fits you best?

Honestly, I can play in zone schemes. I can play in gap schemes. I can do a lot very well.

What’s your favorite way to demoralize your opponent?

Try to take him into that deep water. Just wear him out the whole game, play through the whistle and break their spirit. I like to talk a lot on the field, too. I’m a big talker.

How do you react if someone delivers a late hit on your quarterback?

Gotta go get him back, in between the whistle.

Do you have a preferred pass set?

Not really. I do a little bit of everything.

What kind of impact is Kendrick Green going to make at the next level?

I am going to bring a sense of competitiveness and dependability. I want to be a guy for a team who can be plugged in right away and not have to worry about the position until my career is over.