It was already a good day for Jashaun Green.
The State College High School standout was taking some time out of his senior year to relax in Orlando, Florida. When he got out of the hotel pool, he found out he had a call waiting for him.
The call was from Dann Kabala, Director of High School Relations for Penn State football.
Kabala called to offer Green a preferred walk-on spot, and it was easy for him to say “yes.”
“I knew right then and there that that was my opportunity to go do something and go work for my goals,” Green said. “My dream came true of becoming a Nittany Lion.”
Green got that call Friday, Feb. 18, and announced his commitment to Penn State the next day.
After a long conversation with family, I am blessed to announce my commitment to continue my academic & athletic career at Penn State University!!! WE ARE🦁💙🤍@coachjfranklin @DannKabalaPSU @CoachTerryPSU pic.twitter.com/j3ajPSoPGR
— Jashaun Green (@JashaunGreen5) February 19, 2022
Four days later, his baby sister, Jaliyah, was born.
So, yeah, right now is a exciting time in the life of Jashaun Green.
In his senior season at State College High School, Green helped the Little Lions to a District 6 championship and PIAA State Semifinal berth, where they fell to eventual-state champion Mt. Lebanon.
He caught 42 passes for more than 700 yards and ran for 200 yards on 22 carries. Offensively, Green totaled more than 1,000 yards and scored 10 touchdowns, and on the other side of the ball, Green made 22 tackles and had an interception.
Green has long been familiar with Penn State’s program. He went to his first game at Heinz Field against Pitt in 2016, and since he’s been in high school, estimated that he’s seen 10 to 15 games at Beaver Stadium in person.
He has a jersey signed by Saquon Barkley and Trace McSorley and now hopes to make his mark on Penn State’s program. But that’s not something that will come easy for Green or any preferred walk-on.
He had offers from Edinboro and Clarion, and had interest from Lackawanna College as well. It would have been understandable for him to go to a lower-level school where he’d have a much better chance of becoming a starter and key contributor.
At Penn State, getting playing time and, for that matter, earning a scholarship will be difficult. But Green embraces the challenge.
“I chose to go to Penn State because I feel like I can work hard and be able to earn a scholarship and earn playing time,” he said. “I know I wanted to push myself harder than going to like a division two school. Even though I could get playing time, I feel like it’s better for me to choose a higher level school to achieve my goals and dreams.”
At Penn State, Green plans on majoring in either the marketing or business field.
This past season, State College High School took on an underdog role, overcoming five regular-season losses to fall just one game short of the state championship. As a Little Lion, Green and his teammates took on the “Cinderella” role, and he’ll be happy to do the same at Penn State.
“I like being the underdog,” he said. “It’s great. It just makes you work harder and shows what you’re really about.”
