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Wagner College senior wide receiver Ralph Greene (2) has shown a knack for getting open this season. (Courtesy of Wagner College Athletics)
Wagner College senior wide receiver Ralph Greene stands 5-foot-7 and packs a mighty punch as the Seahawks' current leading receiver after three games. The Tigard, Ore., resident played running back during his first two seasons at Grymes Hill, contributing to the 2012 Northeast Conference championship team as a sophomore.
We caught up with Greene following Thursday's practice before Wagner heads into its bye weekend. He caught a team-high five passes for 69 yards in last Saturday's 21-16 loss at Monmouth and has a team-high nine receptions for 118 yards on the season. It helps that he was a former high-school teammate of quarterback Brian Gehring.
How far back do you go with Brian Gehring?
"We've known each other since second grade and have been playing football together since the first day I put on a helmet. It's fantastic that we get to play together in college. We graduated together in 2011 (from Tigard High School)."
Did he pass the ball to you a lot in high school?
"I played mostly running back in high school, a little bit of receiver and a lot at cornerback, so mostly he was handing the ball off. Now it's different but we're still on the same side of the ball."
Any big moments jump out at you?
"Yes, the first touchdown of my senior year, against (rival) Beaverton. Brian tossed me a little sweep and I took it 50 yards to the house. He was the first one in the end zone to congratulate me."
How did you end up 3,000 miles from home at Wagner College?
"I had a friend in high school who came here on a lacrosse recruiting trip. He told me about Wagner and I sent them my (highlight) tape. One thing led to another and here I am. The friend ended up at Colorado State."
Ralph Greene (2) hails from Tigard, Ore., where he was a high-school teammate of Wagner College quarterback Brian Gehring. (Courtesy of Wagner College Athletics)
Were you responsible for Gehring's arrival last year?
"Brian was back home after being injured at junior college in California. I told him about the school and (former offensive coordinator) Tom Masella liked him and invited him out. He had a good spring."
You're not the biggest guy in the world? Do you hear it from opponents?
"There's nothing I haven't heard before, but it's part of the game. You try to get inside the opponents' head and deter them from doing their job."
Could we call you a pesky type football player?
"I never back down from anything. That's what my dad (also Ralph Greene) taught me growing up. My size isn't ideal but it's not something I can't overcome on the football field. I'm blessed to have what I have and I'll keep working with it."
Your dad often comes to games. What does he do for a living?
"He works for Nike as president of football operations. He's here a lot and my sister just moved to the city for school so he has a couple excuses to be in New York. He really loves it here. He has a sister who lives in the area too."
What do you like to do in your spare time?
"I love to explore the city as much as I can. I'm a business management major and I realize football won't last forever. I've tried to make some connections. I love being with my friends. I think this team has become like a second family to me, especially being so far from home."
One meal? Where do you go and what do you order?
"Pies-n-Thighs in Brooklyn. I'll get a Fried Chicken Box with a side of macaroni and extra side of collard greens. It's the best chicken spot in New York."
Can the Seahawks contend for the Northeast Conference title?
"The sky's the limit. I look back at 2012 and we had a great team, I'll never forget that for anything in the world. But I think we're loaded and ready to go. I think if we can execute like the coaches preach, we'll be fine and you'll see us in November and December."