Khaseem Greene Named Big East Defensive Player of the Year for Second Time

Added by Gregg Snyder on December 6, 2012.

For the second straight season, Khaseem Greene has been named Defensive Player of the Year in the Big East. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)

After sharing the honor last season, Rutgers linebacker Khaseem Greene is the sole recipient of the Big East Defensive Player of the Year award this year. Greene shared the honor with Derek Wolfe of Cincinnati last season.

This year was a different story. When anyone thought about defenses in the Big East, Rutgers had to be at the top. And when you think Rutgers defense, the first thought that comes to mind is Khaseem Greene. Since moving from safety two years ago, Greene has become one of the best linebackers in not only the Big East, but in all of college football.

The fifth-year senior led the Big East with 125 tackles to go along with a league leading six forced fumbles. He also intercepted two passes and recorded 5.5 sacks.

Greene has the unique ability to use his hard hitting along with his speed to cover the entire field. If you have watched a Rutgers football game, you would know that Greene is always near the ball.

The only player in school history to ever be named Defensive Player of the Year currently sits in fifth on Rutgers all-time tackles list. He has the opportunity to jump to the third spot with a big game against Virginia Tech in the Russell Athletic Bowl on December 28.

Greene went from a player with tremendous ability and talent to a complete football player and leader. He will be missed after this season but Rutgers fans have one more chance to watch their star linebacker in action.