Football: Q&A with Ladarius Green

Joshua Parrott • jparrott@theadvertiser.com • November 20, 2010

UL junior Ladarius Green picked up the biggest honor of his collegiate career Monday after being named one of eight semifinalists for the John Mackey Award, given annually to the nation’s top tight end.

Despite missing two games due to injury, Green leads the eight semifinalists this season in touchdown catches (five), receiving yards per game (71.4), yards per reception (17.8) and 80-yard receiving games (five).

Green spoke with The Daily Advertiser earlier this week to give a closer look at his life on and off the field.

Question: What does it mean to be a semifinalist for the Mackey Award?

Answer: That means a lot to me. It shows that people think that I’m trying hard and working hard. It means a lot to know that people think I’m good enough to make that list.

Q: Who are your role models?

A: My mother and older brother. My mother because she was a single parent for a long time and still raised me and my brothers. My older brother because he was like a father to me because I didn’t have one and helped teach me a lot.

Q: How many tattoos do you have?

A: I have three. I have Ephesians 3:10 on a scroll on my left arm. That’s my first tattoo. It was a verse that I’ve known since I was 8. I got it as soon as I turned 18. My second one was a bird on a cross with doves. People ask me why the book is empty. I guess I’m waiting for something to put in it. My third one is Luke 17:6 on my chest. It’s a scripture about faith.

Q: What is something that most people wouldn’t know about you?

A: I was born in Berlin, Germany. My mom and dad were military. Most of my family is in Florida, so that’s where we moved when I was 3.

Q: How do you end up at UL?

A: I was committed to FAU at one point and was recruited late by Illinois and FIU. I was recruited by (former UL assistant) coach (Shawn) Quinn and met him at least three times. I talked with some of the players and knew some of the guys already here. They told me it was a good place.

Q: Do you hope to eventually play in the NFL?

A: I think that’s a goal for every football player, but that’s not the only thing that I’m thinking about because I have another year here. After I’m done playing I’d like to work as a bank manager. (Green is a finance major.) I’ve always liked being in banks.