Why K-State linebacker Daniel Green has decided to play in 2022 with the Wildcats
Daniel Green has played so well for the Kansas State football team this season that he has become a NFL prospect.
After leading the Wildcats with 83 tackles, four quarterback hurries and two fumble recoveries, no one would blame the junior linebacker if he considered forgoing his senior year of college in order to declare as an early entrant for the 2022 NFL Draft.
But Green is in no rush to pursue a professional career.
“I’m pretty sure I’m coming back,” Green said following a 22-17 loss at Texas on Friday. “No, I’m for sure. Got a lot of unfinished business.”
That is excellent news for K-State football coach Chris Klieman and the entire Wildcats’ defense.
Green was K-State’s best defender other than star pass rusher Felix Anudike-Uzomah. Fourteen of his 83 tackles went for a loss, and the Wildcats were stingy against most opponents when he was on the field.
He had one of his best games on Friday when he led the Wildcats with 11 tackles against the Longhorns.
Green is a former four-star recruit who has been with the Wildcats since 2018. He spent his first year on the sideline with a redshirt but has been a steady contributor ever since.
It’s possible Green could change his mind about returning for one more year, but ending the regular season on a loss seemed to motivate him to remain with his college teammates.
As good as this season went for him, he thinks he has more untapped potential.
“I feel like I could have been a lot better,” Green said. “This was my first time with these guys getting an opportunity to start and stuff like that. I got my feet wet and built a little confidence, but I could have been better and I am going to be better.”
This story was originally published November 27, 2021 at 11:51 AM with the headline "Why K-State linebacker Daniel Green has decided to play in 2022 with the Wildcats."