Marcus D. Green took off to the North on a 19-hour trip last week with high expectations, something Green has carried with him everywhere he has been.

Green will be reporting for summer school at Youngstown State after signing with the Division I-AA&160;school last year.

&uot;This is like the second step of life,&uot; Green said. &uot;I’m getting out into the world to see what’s going on. My goal is to play football and get my degree (environmental science). And I’ll take nothing less.&uot;

After a standout career at Natchez High, Green signed with Copiah-Lincoln Community College. The linebacker led the Wolves with 104 tackles last season.

Green spent part of the summer working and working out in Atlanta, Ga., with former Natchez and Co-Lin teammate Clarence Parker, who is headed to Mississippi State.

Green visited Youngstown State in February before he committed to playing his final two collegiate years for the Penguins.

&uot;I have some butterflies in my stomach going far from home, but I’ll adjust,&uot; he said. &uot;I’ve tried to prepare myself and get my mind and body ready.&uot;

&uot;I’m still 6-3, 230 pounds, but I’ve gained some strength,&uot;&160;he said. &uot;I’ve got my speed down to about 4.5.&uot;

Green said he spent most of the summer doing conditioning work.

&uot;I’ve been doing a lot of running and working out with Clarence,&uot; he said. &uot;This summer has been a little bit different from when I prepared for Co-Lin. I’ve put in extra work preparing myself for the next level. It’s been a lot of hard work, but it’s all going to pay off.&uot;

Green said he is going to Youngstown with something to prove.

&uot;Being from the South, it’s going to be a new environment,&uot; he said. ‘There’s going to be a lot more players who can do what I do.&uot;

Green is looking to make an immediate impact at Youngstown.

&uot;I’m not going this far to let my family or town down,&uot; he said. &uot;I’m planning on playing this year.&uot;

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