Photo by: Austin Perryman/MSU Athletics
Green Reunites With Former Coach
August 12, 2021 | Football
STARKVILLE – The bond between Jalen Green and his position coach Jason Washington goes back long before either were at Mississippi State.
It was Washington who recruited Green, then an All-American four-star cornerback prospect out of Houston Heights (Texas) High School, to the University of Texas where they spent two seasons together.
When Washington left for Mississippi State last year, it wasn't long before Green followed suit. Green entered the transfer portal in January and enrolled in classes at MSU just a few days later.
"I came all the way from Texas to Mississippi so that tells you a lot about the relationship that we have and how strong it is," Green said. "It was one of my biggest factors (in coming here) because I wanted to go somewhere where I knew somebody and they know me and what I'm capable of doing."
Washington is elated about having his former pupil join him in Starkville so the two can continue building their bond that was started so many years ago.
"It's been great being able to reconnect with him and his family in bringing him here," Washington said. "I'm trying to bring him underneath my wings these next two years. I'm going to continue to try and develop his skills as a DB so he can hopefully have a chance at that next level."
Green not only had to get adjusted to his new surroundings and teammates upon arriving, but he also had to start learning a new position as well. He appeared in 30 games and made eight starts at cornerback during his career at Texas totaling 46 tackles, three tackles for loss, eight pass break-ups and one interception but was asked to switch to safety when the Bulldogs started recruiting him.
"I feel like safety fits me best," Green said.
The position move also reunited Green with Washington, who also swapped from coaching corners to safeties when he arrived in Starkville on Mike Leach's initial staff.
"Moving from corner to safety is a whole new world with footwork, technique, formations and formation recognition," Washington said. "I think he's progressed well. Of course, there's always things that we want to clean up but the more he does it then the better he'll be. If he relies on his athletic ability, trusts his technique we can be able to go from there."
Green spent the spring getting familiar with his new spot and showcased what he'd already picked up during the Maroon-White Spring Game in April. He logged five tackles – two of which were for a loss – while also scooping up a fumble and returning it 20 yards.
That learning curve has continued early on in fall camp.
"I've just been taking it one day and one step at a time," Green said. "I'm just focusing on what I need to work on that day and showing progress as I go. It's really just the mental side of it, knowing what to do."
The 6-foot-1, 200-pounder already possessed the size to play the position but has tried to prepare himself for the physicality he will face in the Southeastern Conference this fall.
"I've stayed the same weight, I've just tried to get stronger," Green said. "You can always be stronger so I've focused on being stronger over the winter and summer."
Now with a new position and a new school, Green also decided to switch his number as well. He suited up in No. 3 during his days wearing burnt orange but will don No. 0 for Mississippi State. It's the same number he wore for his high school 7-on-7 squad, who coincidentally wear maroon and white and are the Bulldogs.
Although Green has underwent a lot of changes during his first eight months at MSU, he couldn't have asked for a better welcome than the one he has received from his new coaches and teammates.
"Since I've been here it's been a great experience for me," Green said. "They've all taken me in with open arms and have done nothing but show me love so I really appreciate that."
Green brings Power 5 experience to an already veteran secondary and can make his mark at Mississippi State right away since he is eligible to play immediately.
"He can make a huge impact just from his athleticism, being in the bright lights and providing experience," Washington said. "Experience is always huge and I'm excited about watching him this fall."
It was Washington who recruited Green, then an All-American four-star cornerback prospect out of Houston Heights (Texas) High School, to the University of Texas where they spent two seasons together.
When Washington left for Mississippi State last year, it wasn't long before Green followed suit. Green entered the transfer portal in January and enrolled in classes at MSU just a few days later.
"I came all the way from Texas to Mississippi so that tells you a lot about the relationship that we have and how strong it is," Green said. "It was one of my biggest factors (in coming here) because I wanted to go somewhere where I knew somebody and they know me and what I'm capable of doing."
Washington is elated about having his former pupil join him in Starkville so the two can continue building their bond that was started so many years ago.
"It's been great being able to reconnect with him and his family in bringing him here," Washington said. "I'm trying to bring him underneath my wings these next two years. I'm going to continue to try and develop his skills as a DB so he can hopefully have a chance at that next level."
Green not only had to get adjusted to his new surroundings and teammates upon arriving, but he also had to start learning a new position as well. He appeared in 30 games and made eight starts at cornerback during his career at Texas totaling 46 tackles, three tackles for loss, eight pass break-ups and one interception but was asked to switch to safety when the Bulldogs started recruiting him.
"I feel like safety fits me best," Green said.
The position move also reunited Green with Washington, who also swapped from coaching corners to safeties when he arrived in Starkville on Mike Leach's initial staff.
"Moving from corner to safety is a whole new world with footwork, technique, formations and formation recognition," Washington said. "I think he's progressed well. Of course, there's always things that we want to clean up but the more he does it then the better he'll be. If he relies on his athletic ability, trusts his technique we can be able to go from there."
Green spent the spring getting familiar with his new spot and showcased what he'd already picked up during the Maroon-White Spring Game in April. He logged five tackles – two of which were for a loss – while also scooping up a fumble and returning it 20 yards.
That learning curve has continued early on in fall camp.
"I've just been taking it one day and one step at a time," Green said. "I'm just focusing on what I need to work on that day and showing progress as I go. It's really just the mental side of it, knowing what to do."
The 6-foot-1, 200-pounder already possessed the size to play the position but has tried to prepare himself for the physicality he will face in the Southeastern Conference this fall.
"I've stayed the same weight, I've just tried to get stronger," Green said. "You can always be stronger so I've focused on being stronger over the winter and summer."
Now with a new position and a new school, Green also decided to switch his number as well. He suited up in No. 3 during his days wearing burnt orange but will don No. 0 for Mississippi State. It's the same number he wore for his high school 7-on-7 squad, who coincidentally wear maroon and white and are the Bulldogs.
Although Green has underwent a lot of changes during his first eight months at MSU, he couldn't have asked for a better welcome than the one he has received from his new coaches and teammates.
"Since I've been here it's been a great experience for me," Green said. "They've all taken me in with open arms and have done nothing but show me love so I really appreciate that."
Green brings Power 5 experience to an already veteran secondary and can make his mark at Mississippi State right away since he is eligible to play immediately.
"He can make a huge impact just from his athleticism, being in the bright lights and providing experience," Washington said. "Experience is always huge and I'm excited about watching him this fall."
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