Eric Green

Despite the pressure ofbeing an integral part ofthe LU footballpassing attack last season, tight end EricGreen wanted to be known as a team player. This attitude,he felt, would cause everything else to fall into place.

Part of "everything else" isGreen's hopes of being picked in the NFL draft.

Green's going to the prosisnotan outrageous idea. The third-year starterismore than abig lineman who can catch. He isbig, strongandfast.

Four-point-seven secondsisall it takes him to move his 6-foot-5-inch frame40yards, which he feels is good for his weight. Additionally, Green now holds the school record for bench pressby a tightend at345 pounds.

Green, however, did notconcentrateon hisabilityasmuch ashe triedtobe aware ofthe importance ofhisposition inthe Flamesoffense.

Indeed, some level ofcamaraderie among theball-catchersseemed to be indicated by aspecialself-proclaimed title."The Fab Fiveand Sy"was thealias claimed by wide receiversL.G.Parrish, PatNelson, ScottQueen, IkeLogan, CraigWhite and, of course, Green.

"Sy ismy nickname from high school,"Green explained. Although he said the name held no significance, its mention did evoke asmile.

While themain focuswas on Green'spass-catching ability, he realized his position demanded more. To be a successfultight-end, he said, a player must be able tocatch and block. Although he feltsolid in his performance of both tasks,he admitted he preferred catching theball.

Green offered hisspiritualfaithasthequality thatsetshim apart from othertight ends likely tobe drafted by the NFL.

"My Jesus, my Lord and Saviour- that'swhat gives me the edge,"he said.

Dave Dentel