A more fit Cody Green is a good fit for TU's offense
BY BILL HAISTEN World Sports Writer
Wednesday, March 06, 2013
3/06/13 at 4:52 AM
While quarterbacking the 2012 University of Tulsa football team to the Conference USA title and an 11-3 record, Cody Green weighed as much as 255 pounds. During the second half of the season, as he was occasionally used in the run game, his size was an asset.
For Tuesday's spring-practice session at H.A. Chapman Stadium, Green looked like a different guy. His current weight is 242. When TU opens the 2013 season at Bowling Green, he says he intends to be "between 235 and 240 pounds."
Now a senior, Green hasn't been in that 235-240 range since his freshman season at Nebraska.
"It's not easy, carrying 255 pounds around and being as athletic as what (TU coaches) want me to be," Green said. "When I was happiest and feeling real good, I was around 235. Now, I feel smoother in the way I (move). It has helped a lot.
"This was my decision. I felt it would help me and help this team."
With a 14-4 record as a college starter, Green sustains his position atop Tulsa's quarterback depth chart. During the first half-dozen sessions in the spring period, coach Bill Blankenship will closely watch each of three backups - junior Kalen Henderson, sophomore Joseph Calcagni and redshirt freshman Dane Evans.
By April 6 - when the Hurricane plays its spring game - Blankenship wants one of the backups to have commanded the No. 2 distinction.
While the backups are involved in legitimate competition, Green seems completely relaxed.
During Tuesday's practice, he passed the football effectively. After practice, he borrowed a reporter's audio recorder and fired questions at linebacker Shawn Jackson.
"I think (Green) is a lot more fit," Blankenship said. "Last year, he had hip surgery after the spring. He went through half the summer and didn't run. He went into the fall not fit physically. He's in a lot better shape now. I'm very happy with it."
Saturday's 10 a.m. practice is expected to include some scrimmaging. "It will be very physical," Blankenship said.
By the end of Saturday's practice - TU's fourth of the spring period - Blankenship predicts that "70 to 80 percent of our offense and defense will be in."
Original Print Headline: More fit Green is a good fit for TU
Bill Haisten 918-581-8397
bill.haisten@tulsaworld.com
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