USC in the NFL: Rasheem Green Performance

Defensive end, Rasheem Green, had a fantastic college career at the University of Southern California, where over the course of his three year career, he had 48 tackles, 16.5 sacks, and scored one touchdown. At 6 feet 4 inches and 280 pounds, Green was a staple in USC’s defense, leading the Trojans to a 21-6 record under head coach, Clay Helton. When Green declared for the NFL draft after his junior year, he was fulfilling his life long goal, to play in the NFL.

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On April 26, 2018, Green was anxiously waiting for his name to be called at the NFL draft; he did not hear it. On day two of the NFL draft, the second round passed without a team selecting Green. Nevertheless, he did not have to wait until day three, as Green was selected by the Seattle Seahawks as the 15^th pick in the 3^rd round. He knew at this moment, that all the hard work he had put in throughout his life had paid off.

However, Green knew that it was not a guarantee that he would make the Seahawks roster. After continually to train hard throughout the Seahawks offseason, Green got his first chance to display what he could do in preseason play. The preseason was good to Green, as he showed why he belonged on an NFL team after compiling nine tackles and three sacks.

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When Seahawks Head Coach, Pete Carroll, released his depth chart, Green was listed as a second team left defensive end. Even though Green knew that he was not going to start, he finally would be playing in his first NFL game.

The Seahawks travelled to Denver to kick off their 42^ndNFL Season against the Denver Broncos, who finished last in the AFC West the year before. The Seahawks started the game with their starters, while Green was nervously waiting to get into the game. Soon after the second quarter started, Green got his first action as a Seahawk. It took a while for Green to get his first career tackle, but with 7:57 left in the game, Green tackled Broncos running back Phillip Lindsay.

Green finished the game with only one tackle but his presence was definitely felt on the Seahawks defensive line. The Seahawks were able to contain the Broncos to 146 yards rushing, and prevent a running back for rushing more than 71 yards. The Seahawks also put pressure on Broncos quarterback, Case Keenum, sacking him once and causing him to throw 24 incomplete passes. The Seahawks ended up losing the game 27-24, but Green showed teams across the NFL that he is definitely a force to be reckoned with.