South Carolina State defensive end Jeblonski Green Jr. is among the better 2024 NFL Draft prospects at the HBCU level this season. Green Jr. is a big-bodied physical defensive lineman who most recently participated in the HBCU Legacy Bowl.
Green Jr. recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network about his week-long experience at the HBCU Legacy Bowl, debunking the small-school narrative, his pass-rush arsenal, which teams are showing interest in his services, and more.
JM: You recently participated in the HBCU Legacy Bowl. What was the overall experience like?
Jeblonski Green Jr.: The experience was amazing. It gave me an opportunity to learn about the history of HBCU football. I met legends like Doug Williams and James “Shack” Harris. Speaking with them and gaining knowledge from their perspective on how HBCU football has changed, it was really cool to learn about the battle they went through to put us on the map.
The overall experience was amazing. I also got to meet a lot of new people and players. I got to see other draft prospects in this class operate. It was just fun to see how everybody carries themselves. We’re all trying to play football at the next level.
JM: Did you feel like NFL teams were well represented? Did you spot many scouts in attendance?
Jeblonski Green Jr.: Yeah, I really did. There were so many NFL scouts in attendance.
JM: We love to hear that the NFL is starting to take HBCU prospects more seriously. What do you think you proved to NFL decision-makers in attendance?
Jeblonski Green Jr.: I think I proved that I’m versatile. I can play four positions across the defensive line. I can play left defensive end. I’ve played as a 3-tech. I’ve played the 2i and on the other side of the edge. I’m very versatile. I can rush the passer and play the run.
I’m very physical, disruptive, and dominant. I put myself on notice that week throughout practice. I won a lot of one-versus-one reps. I was disruptive during the team period. I showed the scouts that I can really ball.
JM: Which teams did you meet with face-to-face throughout the week?
Jeblonski Green Jr.: I met with the Chicago Bears and Las Vegas Raiders. Those were isolated meetings that happened face-to-face at the HBCU Legacy Bowl. I also recently had a virtual meeting with the Browns.
JM: Anybody that plays at an HBCU has to deal with the “small school” questions throughout the pre-draft process. How are you addressing those level of competition questions?
Jeblonski Green Jr.: I’m just being as honest as I can be. Competition is nothing to me. I’m as competitive as any prospect in the 2024 NFL Draft. Anybody you put in front of me, I’m going to do my best to win that rep. If I don’t win the rep, I’m going to come back and try to win the next one.
JM: You talked about rushing the passer earlier. How would you describe your pass rush arsenal?
Jeblonski Green Jr.: I have a bag, man (laughs). I really do have a pass-rushing bag. I didn’t utilize my entire arsenal at the HBCU Bowl because I wasn’t getting all the looks I wanted. I wasn’t getting the chance to work the edge the way I wanted to in one-on-ones. I put my best foot forward.
I really have a nice bag. I can’t wait to show everybody.
JM: We’ve appreciated your time. Why should a team use one of their picks in the 2024 NFL Draft on Jeblonski Green Jr.?
Jeblonski Green Jr.: I work as hard as any player in this draft. I’m very dedicated to the game of football. What makes me unique is this. I’m a winner. I’ve won my entire life. I know what it takes to win. I’m very dominant and physical because I’m extremely passionate about this game.
I love the game and everything that comes with it. I love learning about the game. I’m a sponge. I can take any type of criticism from a coach because I want to get better. I know it’s being done in my best interest.
You want me to work hard? That’s exactly what I do for the coaching staff. I bring the energy. I can make a play and get the team going. I can end the game with a sack or tackle for loss. I’m that guy.
