Tennessee, USC pull even with Florida in the race for Chaz Green

Posted Nov 11, 2009 by Bill Ward

Updated Nov 12, 2009 at 12:05 AM

Not too long ago, Tampa Catholic senior offensive linemen Chaz Green was saying the University of Florida was his clear favorite. But in recent weeks, Green says Tennessee and the University of Southern California have made great strides in the race for his services as a collegian.

In fact, Tuesday, the 6-foot-6, 295-pound Green said it was virtually dead even between the three programs.

What did the Gators do wrong? Nothing, Green said.

“It’s nothing Florida did, it’s how much Tennessee and USC have shown me in the last few weeks,” Green said during a break in Tuesday’s practice. “I’d they they’re all pretty even right now.”

So far, the only official visit Green has taken has been to Ohio State and Tennessee. But he says he plans to take his official trip to Florida on Nov. 28, the day the Gators host rival Florida State at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. He also plans to visit USC, but expects to take that trips after the state-ranked and undefeated Crusaders’ postseason is over.

With TC likely to go deep into the Class 2B playoffs, that West Coast visit could come well after the New Year. While Green has been anchoring the offensive line this fall for the Crusaders, he’s also seen a lot of first-half action on the defensive line, too.