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August 20, 2009

Neal McCready
RebelGrove.com

Mike Markuson calls Brandon Green "The American Dream."

Green will have to share the nickname with Dusty Rhodes, the famous former professional wrestler, but Ole Miss' right offensive guard almost certainly doesn't mind that.

The nickname bestowed on Green by Ole Miss' offensive line coach is appropriate, for Green's dream has most certainly come true.

"When he was a kid, he always wanted to play at Ole Miss," Markuson said. "When we recruited him, the dream did come true for him. He was hoping he'd get a scholarship here and really, it was the need for the center at the time. We didn't think we had another guy on campus that could snap. That's why we recruited him.

"He loves this place. He works extremely hard. He's getting his opportunity right now and he's really been doing well."

Green, a 6-foot-2, 300-pound senior from Southaven, Miss., had all but given up on his dream to play for Ole Miss during his sophomore year at Northwest Mississippi Community College.

"Every day in juco, it's like, 'Man, it's never going to come,'" Green said. "You get one offer and you don't get what you want. You still have your dream. I committed to Memphis and then the next day, Coach (Houston) Nutt visited and he called Markuson and he said yes.

"(Markuson) calls me 'The American Dream' because I'm one of the short guys. I'm one of the stubs. It really is like the American dream for a guy like me. I know a million other kids would love to be in my position, so I try to play like that as well."

Green saw action in 10 games for Ole Miss last fall, primarily contributing on special teams. He worked at several spots in the spring and entered fall camp as the No. 2 left guard behind Reid Neely. However, when Rishaw Johnson was demoted to third-string following an unspecified violation of team rules, Green moved into the starter's role at right guard. One week later, he's done enough to secure the starting assignment for the Rebels' Sept. 6 opener at Memphis.

"He's really committed," Nutt said. "Brandon is a physical guy that's a fighter. He knows a lot of positions, so he's studied and really dedicated himself. I really believe in him and right now he gives us the best chance."

Green will readily admit he's not the most talented player on the Rebels' front. He's not the most experienced, either. He does benefit from being sandwiched between right tackle John Jerry and center Daverin Geralds.

"John knows what's up," Green said. "They both played before. Dave's a really smart guy. He's correcting quick and John's always on the game in pass protection. Those guys are experienced, and I'm trying not to let them down."

Green benefits from more than that. He is one of the more well-liked players on the roster, thanks to a sunny attitude and a willingness to work.

"He does everything the right way," Markuson said. "He goes to school. He gets good grades. He's never late, never in trouble, has a smile on his face when he comes out here and works hard. What else is there? Those kinds of guys are fun to coach."

Green has transformed his body in the time he's been at Ole Miss. He said earlier this week that he spent the offseason trying to get stronger while working on staying low and becoming more flexible.

"This is big-time and this is the best. I wish I could have come right out of high school, but coming from (junior college) to here is a major deal," Green said. "I still sometimes struggle. I just keep working at it. It's just a strain on your body you have to put on to get what you want out of it."

For Green, the hard work has been well worth it. Not only is he getting the chance to wear the uniform he grew up cheering for, but he's grown up off the field as well, responding to Markuson's no-nonsense coaching approach and developing an appreciation for the life lessons that come with it.

"I grew up without a dad," Green said. "My mom (Vickie Alexander) babied me and babied me, and when I got here, there wasn't any more babying. He's really helped me mold into a man and I thank him for that.

"You really don't get that a lot. He doesn't baby you. It's how it is. You're either going to make it or you aren't, and if you aren't, you have to work until you make it. Coach Nutt's always talking about people coming back and showing their son, 'This is the guy that made me a man,' and I think I'm going to be one of those guys."

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