Rashad Greene's career at Florida State was extraordinary. He finished as the Seminoles' all-time leader in receptions with 270 and receiving yards with 3,380 – an Atlantic Coast Conference record. As a senior in 2014, Greene recorded 99 catches for 1,365 yards and seven touchdowns as the Seminoles advanced to the inaugural College Football Playoff.
As a junior, he finished with 76 receptions for 1,128 yards and nine touchdowns. Nine of those catches and 147 of those yards came in the BCS National Championship victory over Auburn. His 49-yard reception in the closing minute set up the game-winning touchdown – a 2-yard touchdown grab by Kelvin Benjamin, who was drafted by the Panthers in the first round a few months later.
The soft-spoken wide receiver certainly left his mark in Tallahassee.
"He's like Derek Jeter. He doesn't need fanfare and he doesn't need media. Every big moment, he makes a play," Florida State head coach Jimbo Fisher said at his team's pro day. "Every time his teammates need a leader in the locker room he becomes that. If they need someone to be quiet, he becomes that. Whatever a team needs, he's going to deliver. He's just a phenomenal human being."
Greene doesn't stand out physically. He's 5-foot-11. He weighs 182 pounds. He runs a 4.53 40-yard dash.
Not exactly the measurables that excite NFL scouts. But at Florida State, where there was NFL talent at nearly every position, it was Greene who commanded the respect of his peers.
"My role as a leader at FSU, it was an all-around role," Greene said at the Scouting Combine. "A lot of guys looked up to me as far as how I handle myself, on and off the field on a daily basis with practicing, and how I did things the right way. I didn't talk much, but when I spoke everyone listened and took my words into consideration."
NFL teams in need of wide receiver would be wise to take Greene into consideration.
"Wherever any team needs me, I have the mindset and the physical ability to do whatever they need," Greene said. "I'm a versatile receiver. I can run routes inside and outside, and I'm an asset as far as a teammate. I'm the best teammate I think you'll ever have.
"I just feel like I can fit wherever a team may need me."
As he prepares for the next step of his career, Greene said he's been in contact with Benjamin, who had a much different transition from college to the NFL.
"Me and Kelvin are definitely close. We're close friends, much like brothers," Greene explained. "He told me I'll do well if I continue to work how I've been working."
Benjamin had a breakout year as redshirt sophomore, recording 15 touchdowns. Combine that with his 6-foot-5, 240-pound frame and Benjamin quickly became a first-round prospect.
Greene's four-year production is unparalleled in Florida State history. But he doesn't have Benjamin's size and he doesn't have first-round speed.
Here's what Greene does have: He can play on the outside or in the slot. He's proven he can create separation with a variety of routes. And he's proven he's a player you can count on.
"What I pride myself on is my hard work and just being consistent," Greene said. "There's nothing like having a guy on your team that's very dependable and accountable and will always be where he needs to be."
