5-Star RB Derrick Green: Power Ranking His Final 6 Schools and a Darkhorse

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In Virginia, there is a city called Richmond, and in lies that city is a high school by the name of Hermitage. This school is home to one of the nation's top players in running back Derrick Green.

The widely pursued athlete has narrowed his list down to six schools and is in the process of surveying his finalists and taking visits. This is a crucial time for the talented running back, so I wanted to examine his recruitment.

For this read, the focus will be on where all six of Green's suitors rank and if there's a dark horse school that could swoop in and land him.

Derrick Green Scouting Report

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Green is a very large running back at 6'0" and over 225 pounds. He shows solid quickness of his stance and start, will attack the line of scrimmage and is a bully in run alleys.

Green can surge through holes with a surprising burst and jump to second level. He is solid in tight space and can get to the edges thanks to his above-average speed. Some wiggle lies in his game, along with solid elusiveness, but Green's size and run strength allow him to challenge tacklers, break tackles and be his own lead blocker.

Green isn't a blazer that's going to dance around and make highlight reel runs; he's also limited in the passing game due to his catch radius being average in size at best.

Overall, this is a talented big back that can wear defenses down and be a bell cow type for an offense.

Georgia a Dark Horse?

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Green took a trip to UGA in the middle of August and told Scout.com that it went well. A meeting with Mark Richt took place and he was shown around both the campus and the town of Athens.

With UGA boasting two great true freshmen rock toters in Keith Marshall ad Todd Gurley, they have some work to do in convincing Green to join them. Never count Mark Richt and his staff out though. Many did last year and they recruited Jordan Jenkins.

6. Oregon

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The Ducks are one of Green's top six schools, per Scout.com. It really seems Chip Kelly wants to restock his running back depth since he already has commitments from both Thomas Tyner and Dontre Wilson.

With pledges from two running backs that are among the best in the country, could that discourage Green from coming to Eugene? Time will only tell.

My only concern with Green, should he sign with Oregon, is if the Oregon offense is the best fit for him. It's a speed-based attack and Green is more of a power runner. 

5. Ole Miss

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Green took a summer trip to Oxford at the end of July, reports Scout.com. Hugh Freeze made an impression on the big running back and the Rebels are inside his top six.

Freeze is trying his best to get things turned around at Ole Miss and he seems to be on the right track with his aggressive pursuit of recruits. 

I'm certain Freeze will try to convince Green to take an official visit back to Ole Miss to take in a game this season, which Rivals.com reports could be against Auburn. 

4. Virginia Tech

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Scout.com also lists the Hokies among Green's final six schools, although it's a bit tough to get a true read on just how high up VA-Tech is for him.

Rivals.com shows he is be recruited by Shane Beamer, and with the Hokies being the lone in-state program, that has to appeal to Green. He is a solid fit in their offense as Frank Beamer likes a balanced attack and has shown the willingness to ride a hot running back to an ACC title. 

3. Michigan

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Michigan has done a very good job courting Green and he liked his visit to Ann Arbor in early August, according to Scout.com. Of course, Michigan QB commit Shane Morris is in his ear about the Wolverines, and we all know what a great recruiter Morris has proven himself to be.

Green is connecting with both defensive line coach Jerry Montgomery and Brady Hoke, and would be a solid fit in their pro-offense scheme. 

Green will likely be at the Michigan State game next month, reports ESPN.com. 

2. Tennessee

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The Vols hosted Florida last weekend in Knoxville and Green was at the game for an official visit. By all accounts, including Dave Hooker at ESPN, the trip was a prime success.

Fans chanted Green's name during the game and he was treated like a celebrity. Green was also amazed by the game-day atmosphere the Volunteer fans create and the family feel that the team has.

He was keen to watch how the running backs were used during the game and clearly had a favorable impression when he left Tennessee.

1. Auburn

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Auburn may have a secret weapon in their recruitment for Green, because he told Scout.com that 5-star LB Reuben Foster, the nation's No. 2 prospect on most boards, is recruiting him for the Tigers.

Green has taken two trips to The Plains already and has a genuine friendship with Foster. Gene Chizik sticking his No. 1 commitment on Green is a shrewd move and will definitely pay off. 

Green also took in the Auburn vs. Clemson game at the Georgia Dome in Week 1 and says he will take an official trip to Auburn this fall. 

Edwin Weathersby has worked in scouting/player personnel departments for three professional football teams, including the New York Giants, Cleveland Browns and the Las Vegas Gladiators of the Arena League. He spent a year evaluating prep prospects & writing specific recruiting and scouting content articles for Student Sports Football (now ESPN Rise-HS). A syndicated scout and writer, he's also contributed to WeAreSC.com, GatorBait.net and Diamonds in the Rough Inc., a College Football and NFL Draft magazine.