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RB Green expecting an earful in Columbus
Anthony Zilis Sports staff writer, blogger
September 25th, 2009

Justin Green's first Ohio State experience of his collegiate career will be a little different than other players'.

After originally committing to the Buckeyes, Green backed out and joined the Illini, who promised to play him at running back rather than defensive back.

The freshman knows he may face some unwanted recognition from the fans when he steps out onto the field.

I don't even want to think about that right now," Green said. "I don't even want to think about that.

Green's season started off a little flat, as he lost a yard on one carry in the opener against Missouri. However, his second game was more successful as he gained 56 yards and recorded his first career touchdown.

But success aside, Green has become acclimated with the college game.

"Those first two games definitely helped out a lot as far as getting my feet wet," Green said. "Right now, the big thing for me is learning all the big plays and all the possibilities."

The Illini's playbook is notably a difficult one to learn for freshmen, and it's been one of the biggest obstacles in Green's young career.

"Sometimes it is a problem, we've got a whole lot of signals.

You've got to think really fast and think on your toes," he said. "It's definitely faster than high school, but I'm pretty much acclimated to it now."

Green's brother, Marcus, played at Ohio State from 2002 to 2005, and he went to high school in Louisville, Ky., three hours away from Columbus. Needless to say, Saturday will be a special day for him.

"I grew up in that stadium," he said. "It's gonna be big to just step in that stadium and be able to play in front of that crowd."

RB Green expecting an earful in Columbus | The Daily Illini