Jeff tailback gains from offseason work

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Darian Green heard the whispers, some from inside the same Lafayette Jeff halls he walked each day.

No one questioned the Broncho running back’s speed, his agility, his ability to make opposing tacklers look foolish. But injuries had interrupted Green’s freshman and sophomore seasons, and some doubted whether he was durable enough to fulfill his potential.

“My offseason played a major part in this season,” Green said. “I worked on building my legs up and getting stronger overall to be able to take the hits and be an every-down back.”

A stronger, sturdier Green dispelled those doubts with a tremendous junior season. The Bronchos’ most valuable player displayed game-breaking skills as the featured weapon in the Lafayette Jeff offense for all 10 games.

The 2012 Journal & Courier Big School Offensive Player of the Year posted his first 1,000-yard season and earned Indiana Football Coaches Association Class 5A Junior All-State recognition.

“You could definitely tell there was a different demeanor in his workouts, in his work ethic,” Jeff coach Andy Kennedy said. “It’s one thing to be in the weight room; it’s another thing to be in there and be intense and lifting. He’s been on that hook the last two years and this year it paid off and hopefully next year it pays off even better.”

Green averaged 6.8 yards per carry while rushing for 1,394 yards and 14 touchdowns. That included a 220-yard, four-touchdown performance against Harrison, 186 yards and two touchdowns against McCutcheon and 216 yards and a touchdown against Hamilton Southeastern.

Green topped 100 yards in eight of 10 games and rushed for 140 or more on six occasions.

“When I was lifting, it was in the back of my mind that I don’t want to work my legs too much or I’ll slow down,” Green said. “I got with the coaches and went to their ‘speed school’ and worked hard on my speed and quickness.”

College programs have taken notice, with Ball State, Cincinnati, Indiana, Indiana State and Purdue among those showing interest. Green decided not to play basketball this winter, instead focusing on the weight room and other training he hopes will enhance his size and durability.

“Dustin Keller came from here, and I want to be the next big thing after him to come out of Jeff,” Green said.