Versatile 2017 Illinois lineman Kendrick Green offered by Iowa
IOWA CITY, Iowa – Playing multiple sports is something that Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz and his assistants not only look for in recruits, but they encourage it.
Iowa made that clear by offering three-star offensive guard and Peoria, Ill. native Kendrick Green a scholarship on Friday.
"I’ve always liked Iowa growing up so getting an offer from them is huge," Green said. "I waited for them for awhile so now that I have (the offer) it feels good.
"They told me that they like that I play multiple sports and that I am always working hard, which is what their program is all about. They are definitely one of my leaders along with Minnesota, Central Florida and Syracuse."
The 6-foot-4, 270-pound Green plays both ways for his high school football team, but his versatility reaches beyond the football field. He also wrestles and plays first and third base for his baseball team, as well as pitching and catching.
Ferentz and his staff have made a living by recruiting multi-sport high school athletes, including 2014 Outland Trophy winner and consensus All-America offensive lineman Brandon Scherff and former all-Big Ten offensive lineman Riley Reiff among others.
Scherff played quarterback his sophomore year in high school and also participated in track and field and baseball, while Reiff was a three-time heavyweight wrestling state champion in South Dakota.
The list also includes all three of Ferentz’s sons who wrestled in high school before going on to play for their father at Iowa.
Green attended Iowa’s night game against Iowa State at Kinnick Stadium in September and was wowed by the game-day atmosphere, as well as Iowa’s business-like approach to the game.
"I loved the atmosphere in game day," Green said. "It was awesome. I also like how Iowa isn’t about being super flashy. They are about working hard regardless. And that’s how it should be."
Green said he does not have a timetable set for when he’d like to make a decision, nor does he have any more visits scheduled in the near future.