By ERIC KNOPSNYDER
Steve Greene is anxious to see how he stacks up against the best football players from Ohio.
But the Bishop Carroll graduate was also looking forward to another part of the PNC Big 33 Football Classic – getting his “buddy.”
The program, which partners a special-needs child with a Big 33 player, has become a large part of the week leading up to the game, and Greene said Wednesday that it can mean as much to the players as the buddies.
“I think that’s great to be able to impact the life of someone that’s less fortunate,” said the 6-foot-5, 311-pound offensive guard, who plans to play at Connecticut.
“It’s a reality check to see that not everyone has the opportunity that we do. We were given a gift. It really puts it in perspective to not waste it.”
The Big 33 game, which pits Pennsylvania’s top high school players against those from the Buckeye State, is one of the most prestigious all-star games in the nation.
“I guess this is considered one of the top-tier games,” Greene said. “It’s nationally televised live. I’m not only going to be playing in front of the people at (Hersheypark Stadium), but the entire nation.”
The game will be shown on the NFL Network, which is an exciting prospect for Greene.
“It’s a thrill,” he said. “A nationally televised game and I’m still in my high school career.”
This will be the last high school game for Greene, who also played in the Northeast All-Star Football Classic at Rutgers Stadium earlier this month.
“I thought I played real well (in that game). I proved a lot to myself, being able to go out and compete with the best,” he said.
He’s using the Big 33 game as a tuneup for his collegiate career.
“I’m out here going as hard as I can every day, just trying to get in shape for college and trying to better myself to get the team ready,” he said.
“Coming in you’ve got to be ready for everything. You’ve got to be ready for the highest level of competition, and that’s what it’s been.”
Greene is also taking the opportunity to get to know one of his future teammates.
Wide receiver Malik Generett also plans to play for the Huskies next season.
“It’s real good,” Greene said of what it’s like to have a classmate alongside him. “You already get to establish chemistry with him before you’re on campus.”
If you go
What: PNC Big 33 Football Classic.
Where: Hersheypark Stadium.
When: 7 p.m. Saturday.
TV: NFL Network.
