Skyler Green needed a change. He wasn’t comfortable with the No. 81 on his jersey last season, so he donned the No. 5 this year.
“It felt too heavy,” Green said. “I needed something lighter.”
The 5-foot-9, 190-pound sophomore receiver should see another significant change – in his playing time – in 2003. Green is expected to get time behind Devery Henderson this season, and with freshmen Amp Hill and Craig Davis out for most of the season, Green’s time should increase.
“Basically we’re going to play everybody the same way and see what our offense can give out,” Green said. “I’m excited because of the competition we had over summer camp.”
After seeing time late in 2002 to replace Henderson, who went down with a broken arm against Ole Miss, Green caught seven passes, including a 67-yard touchdown in the 21-20 loss at Arkansas.
Green said he expected to redshirt last season, but he was ready when Henderson was lost for the season.
“You never know,” Green said. “Devery (Henderson) ended up injuring his arm and I had to step in (during the Ole Miss game). I wasn’t nervous. I was ready to go.”
Green said watching Henderson and junior wideout Michael Clayton last year helped his growth because they were able to point out mistakes and help him grow.
Both will be the top starters this year, but will have company on the line of scrimmage.
LSU coach Nick Saban said he expects the offense to run plays with multiple receiver formations for at least half of the game. He said he was pleased with Green and the other receivers’ progress in preparation for the first game.
“I’m as comfortable as I can be without ever seeing them (the receivers) do it in a game,” Saban said.
Green said he’s at his best after making a reception, as he did against Arkansas when he scored on a jailbreak screen pass from Marcus Randall.
“After the catch, hopefully I can make the big play,” Green said. (But) it’s just whoever’s open gets call. I just want to be in the right spot at the right time to make the play.”
Green also will share kick returning duties with Shyrone Carey. He said his goal is to make at least one big play on special teams.
“On kickoffs, my goal is to return one (for a touchdown),” Green said. “That’ll be a big confidence builder for me. It could really open my eyes, and let me see what I’m capable of doing.”
While some players have left the program recently because of lack of playing time, Green said he never pondered it last year because Saban constantly tells the team each player has to make the most of his situation and persevere.
“Coach (Saban) always says you have to overcome a lot of adversity,” Green said. “That’s true because there are times when you’re not always going to be the (main) person. You just have to stick it out, gut through it and stand up when it’s your time to shine.”