MontrealAlouettes.com
MONTREAL – Apparently it was Green Day on Day 2 of Alouettes camp on Monday.
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S.J. Green |
Now in his sixth Alouettes’ training camp, S.J. Green has successfully cemented himself as one half of arguably the CFL’s most dominant receiving duo, along with his partner in crime, Jamel Richardson.
The Florida native, who reached amazing heights last season finishing second on the team only to Richardson in receptions (87) and in receiving yards (1,147), plans on raising the bar during the 2012 season.
“Being a dominant force within this offence is my number one goal heading into this year’s training camp,” revealed Green after only the second day at Bishop’s University. “I don’t set goals in terms of numbers, but rather accomplishments. Leading the league in receiving yards and touchdowns would be pretty sweet.”
At 6-foot-3 and 220 pounds, Green has the classic build for his position and a knack to take over a game or a practice as displayed in the early going of camp and since rejoining his teammates in wake of a new season.
“I felt real good out there on the field making plays. The first day was tough and hard to get back in the swing of things,” admitted Green, who went over 1,000 yards receiving for the first time in his career in 2011. “But today was much better. My legs feel good and I haven’t had to use the ice tub just yet to help speed up the recovery process and allow my body time to rest. At this time last year, I was already in there,” he laughed.
The 26-year-old also used the offseason to concentrate on his blocking prowess to be considered an all-around receiver.
“When I’m catching passes, I know the O-line and Brandon Whitaker are all blocking defenders for me, so I pride myself on returning the favour when their number is called.”
In addition to being a gritty blocker in the running attack, Green’s fearlessness to catch passes across the middle has become a staple of his game. While taking the top off the defence and competing for jump balls might be the perfect narrative for Green, the former University of South Florida Bull makes a living by catching contested throws in the heart of defenses, having averaged 13,2 yards per reception last year.
“Catch the ball is my motto,” explained Green. “If you are going to get hit, you might as well come down with the ball in the process. In the end, it’s all about making plays.”
