The son of former NFL standout Trent Green, Rockhurst 2018 Derek Green is making a name for himself on the gridiron.

At 6’4, 180-pounds, Green is a composed quarterback who stands tall in the pocket and doesn’t let the emotions of the game get him too high or too low.

“Obviously after a good play I get excited, and after a bad play I am frustrated with myself, but the next play is what matters and I don’t let the previous plays effect the next one,” he says. “I would describe myself as a pass first guy, who runs as a last resort but is capable of running. 

“I bring leadership to my team more than anything. Being the starting quarterback, leadership is kind of brought upon you, but I have had a lot of good people to learn from as far as how to lead a team.”

Green says the most important game for Rockhurst this past season was in the first round of district play when the Hawklets defeated Park Hill in overtime.

“The previous year we had lost in the first round of districts and it was nice to get over that hump,” Green said. “I played well that game and definitely got us in position to score. Our defense carried us last year a lot and we succeeded off them”.

He began playing football in kindergarten, but started tackle football in fourth grade. His dad coached him when he was younger, and Derek Green says his father was a big reason he began playing the sport.

Green says his dad brother have both had a big influence on his football career. Trent Green played in the NFL for 15 years as a quarterback and TJ Green plays quarterback at Northwestern in the Big Ten.

“They have both set tremendous examples for me and I have learned so much from them,” Derek Green says. “I definitely would not be where I am right now without them.

“As ironic as it is, I think my game and my dad, Trent Green’s game style coordinate the most out of any NFL quarterback.” 

Green says he is drawing interest from a handful of Power 5 schools, a couple of FBS schools, a bunch of FCS and Ivy League schools. Schools showing the most interest right now are North Carolina, Indiana, Nebraska, Arkansas State, Western Illinois, North Dakota State, Southern Illinois, Illinois State, Yale, Cornell and Columbia. 

He currently doesn’t hold any offers, but expects that may change soon.

“Coaches are visiting me everyday and I am throwing and working out for a few,” Green said. “Once the next wave of offers comes through I am definitely hoping to receive some.”