Philip Rivers on Ladarius Green: ‘The sky is still the limit for him’

The San Diego Chargers could have one of the league’s most potent tight end duos next season, and many people have wisely pointed out No. 2 TE Ladarius Green as a huge breakout candidate next year. Even though Ken Whisenhunt and Jason Michael have teamed up with the Tennessee Titans and will likely coax a big year out of Delanie Walker, Green will still get plenty of opportunities in the Chargers offense next season, unless if something unexpected happens. He showed major flashes last season, averaging a whopping 22.1 yards per reception on just 17 catches. Green is a nasty athletic specimen at the tight end position, and all he needs to dominate is more reps and the consistency that comes with that kind of experience.

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Philip Rivers had a monster season last year, and the Chargers superstar quarterback raved about the potential of his TE2. He said, via the U-T San Diego’s Michael Gehlken, “The sky is still the limit for him. I think he’s still figuring out how good he can be, … and he wants to be really good. That’s the first thing. You have to have desire and ability. He has both. He is going to continue to improve. He’s a guy like many we’ve had around here. He’s, ‘Just tell me what to do. I want to do it exactly how you want (me) to do it.’ That’s why he’ll continue to develop.”

The great Antonio Gates will still be the No. 1 guy at the position, but there’s plenty of room for Green to excel in the Chargers passing attack next year. He can line up just about anywhere, and it’s clear that his size/speed combination is up there with the best of him. Now that he’s improving on his route-running and the other finer points to the game as he heads into a potentially huge breakout in his third season, it’s clear that everyone should be taking note of the man who is sometimes tabbed as Gates’s heir apparent.