Tennessee Titans rookie receiver Dorial Green-Beckham was the nation’s top college football prospect in the 2012 signing class and had six catches for 144 yards and two touchdowns for Missouri in the 2013 Southeastern Conference title game loss to Auburn.
Green-Beckham’s college career detoured because of an investigation into a domestic incident, which forced him to sit out the 2014 season at Oklahoma. He has rebounded this season with 24 receptions for 415 yards and three touchdowns to rank second behind Oakland’s Amari Cooper among NFL rookie receivers.
The 6-foot-5, 237-pounder was a guest Thursday on “Press Row” on ESPN 105.1 FM.
Q: How would you assess your season so far, especially after sitting out a year?
A: “It’s definitely been a comeback. I had a lot of focus coming into this year, and it’s been great having the opportunity to play right away.”
Q: You were the eighth receiver taken, so did you come in with a chip on your shoulder?
A: “I did. Sitting out all of last year, I had a huge chip and wanted to show what this kid was about after missing a year. People were doubting me because I had not gone through contact for a year, so I knew I had to go out and do my best.”
Q: You were on the 2013 Missouri team that won 12 games. What’s it like being on a 3-10 team?
A: “It’s been a huge adjustment. I understand that the Titans have a young team, and that plays a big part of it, because young guys are playing a whole lot.”
Q: How in today’s social media climate did Missouri players keep Michael Sam’s situation out of the headlines?
A: “Michael Sam addressed us, and we were all respectful. It never bothered us, because he was a brother to us. He helped us win games, and he worked hard, so all that other stuff was off the field. He was a humble guy who liked to have fun in the locker room.”
Q: You were forced to leave Missouri due to an investigation into a domestic incident. What did you learn from that?
A: “It was tough. I had to leave my state and the college I loved going to. I’ve learned from putting myself in those situations, and having that year at Oklahoma really made me sit down and think about a lot of stuff as far as where I wanted to go in life.”
Q: How much did that four-overtime win at Tennessee as a freshman in 2012 help jump-start your career?
A: “That game was a huge game for me. I always talk to (former Volunteer) Justin Hunter about that game. That really felt like the starting point for me, and I had those two touchdown catches. It was huge on my part, and I really got going after that.”
Q: You played Alabama as a freshman, and now you’re getting ready to play New England. How excited are you to face the gold standard of the NFL?
A: “I’m very excited. The Patriots obviously have a great team with a great quarterback, so we’ve got to be able to compete. We know they’re going to play like a Super Bowl team, so we’ve got to do the same and play up to their level, which means being fast and physical.”
Q: How often do you and Marcus Mariota talk about being a great combination down the road?
A: “We both understand what’s at stake and the talent we both have. We understand what we can do as a dynamic duo and that, in the future, me and Marcus will be able to take over this league. Right now, we’re just getting situated and getting warmed up.”
Q: Turning to our rapid fire, who is the toughest defensive back you’ve faced, whether SEC or NFL?
A: “I would say Joe Haden and Darrelle Revis in the NFL. In college, I would say (Chris) Davis at Auburn and the Alabama corners (Dee Milliner and Deion Belue).”
Q: Who is your favorite Star Wars character?
A: “I am not a Star Wars fan.”
Q: Which SEC team did you want to beat the most?
A: “Alabama and Auburn.”
Q: What’s the best Christmas present you had growing up?
A: “In my sophomore year of high school, I got a four-wheeler.”
Q: Do you like going by DGB?
A: “I’m definitely fine with that. I’ve had that since back in high school.”
Q: If you’re eating a holiday meal, what’s on your plate?
A: “Turkey, ham, biscuits, gravy, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes. All that, and you can’t leave out the pie.”
Contact David Paschall at dpaschall@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6524.