2026 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Josiah Green, DL, Duke University

• Name: Josiah Green
• Position: DL
• College: Duke University
• Height: 6’ 0”
• Weight: 285 lbs
• X: @thejgreenery
• Instagram: @greenery

What made you decide you wanted to be a football player?

I have a twin brother and we’ve played sports our entire lives. What made me really want to be a football player is that I didn’t grow to 6’5” in highschool, so my best shot at professional sports was probably going to be football. In all seriousness, I just love playing football and it’s taken me this far in my life.

What are your favorite moments from your football life?

The first moment that comes to mind with this question is in little league. My brother and I were both defensive ends, and we got a joint 20-yd sack on the quarterback that was a NFL player’s nephew. That was one of the first plays I remember where big plays gave me a huge rush. The other moments were taking pictures and celebrating with the boys after each time we won a conference championship. The one last year ended in a crazy overtime pick by my guy Luke & was one of the best games I’ve been a part in.

What are you looking to achieve as a football player going forward?

For the future of me as a football player, I want to be the best version of myself. I think it’s great to chase All-Pro and league leading statistics. Personally, I love the journey and the accolades will just be a byproduct. I want to look back at the end of my career, hopefully having made some big plays to be All-Pro and winning a super bowl, and just be proud of everything it took to get there and succeed.

If you could hang out with any football player past or present for a day, who and why?

I’d definitely hang out with Aaron Donald. Not only could he teach me about football, but I’d hope for the chance to get a lift in, field work & just learn about life from his perspective. After football is done, it would be cool to see how he set up all his businesses and keeps cash flow coming in.

Which one of your family members inspires you the most and why?

I’d say my twin brother. He is finishing his master’s in engineering this year at Merrimack and plays linebacker. His work ethic and drive just fuels me to be the best version of myself everyday.

What is your favorite defensive scheme and why?

I’ve played multiple schemes in my career so far, but I think I like a vertically penetrating scheme the most. I prefer a 4-down front, but I’ve played every technique a defensive lineman can play and am comfortable with anything. I like a vertical scheme because it creates chaos in the backfield and speeds up quarterbacks in every aspect of their decision making.

What should we know about Josiah Green the person?

As a person, I’m super chill. I enjoy kayaking, playing pickleball, golfing and the occasional spontaneous outing. I really just like to keep my head down and grind. I’m a high-character individual who fears God, and I wouldn’t give any team off-the-field issues.

What stands out about your film the most?

The words that come to mind when I watch my film are passion, motor and violence. Whether it’s a huge run stuff or sack, I think my effort and love for the game always shows up on tape.

How do you handle challenges both in life and on the football field?

Football is just like life in a sense. There are things happening that you either don’t know, can’t control or can control. When things are challenging, I like to address issues as they are and narrow down to how I can realistically adapt. Whether if it’s in football or in life, the only thing I can truly control is my response. If you’re looking for steps from me, I’d say I would take a deep breath, quickly come up with the best possible response and take action.

What would a team get in a player like you?

Any team would get these three things from a player like me. First, they would be getting a very smart football player. Classwork wasn’t the only thing I studied in college. I’ve probably spent hundreds of hours watching film and can quickly pick up team’s tendencies. I understand the full picture and can implement that into my play to help my defense succeed. Second, I give great effort. My tape shows violence and effort and I will give it my all to make a play or help my boy make one and celebrate afterwards. Lastly, a team would get lunch-pail guy. Just a guy who doesn’t have off-the-field problems and will just be about his work everyday.

What do you love the most about the game of football?

Frankly, there are a few things I love about the game of football, but the biggest thing is just hitting someone. For those who have done it, they understand that getting a big guy is one of the craziest rushes of adrenaline you’ll likely ever get. There just something about making a crazy hit and the crowd screaming that fires you up.

Who is the most underrated player you’ve played with and why?

Honestly, I’d say my bother Micah Green. He is a linebacker at Merrimack and played with me at Dartmouth. He is also a high-motor, downhill backer that can sniff out the ball carrier. He is a little under-sized for the position, but so am I. We know that, and that’s why we play with the effort and knowledge that we have.