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Khaseem Greene graduated from Rutgers as the most decorated defensive player in school history.

(Photo by Howard Smith/US Presswire)

Khaseem Greene, one of the best defensive players in Rutgers history, is headed for the NFL. As he prepares for the April draft and the next step in his football career, Greene will be chronicling his journey for The Star-Ledger.

Greene starts by sharing his farewell letter to Rutgers:

As I finish my college career, I want to thank the Rutgers fans for their support over the years, especially during difficult times. I grew up in New Jersey watching this program and it's amazing to see how far we’ve come. Everywhere I go I speak to students and alumni who all share the same passion and excitement for this team. I look forward to returning as a fan myself and cheering on this program in the future.

I want to thank the coaches and players that came before me to help lay the foundation for us to build on. At Rutgers, we talk about "keep chopping," and I'm grateful for those that passed the ax to me. ... As I leave, I pass the ax on to my brothers who will continue to fight for Rutgers and carve their own legacy.

Coach Schiano, who recruited me and demanded my best, I thank you. To Coach Flood, you've made me a better man and a better player. You deserve all the credit you received this year. To my defensive coaches and especially our leader and coordinator Coach Smith, I’d like to thank you all for allowing this defense to make plays and be who we are through your schemes. This program is in great hands and I look forward to you taking us to even greater heights in the future.

Tim Pernetti, thank you for your leadership, in particular during last year's coaching change. The fact that you valued the player’s opinions and left your phone on all night to take our messages or calls shows the great character you have. You were a calming influence and I will forever appreciate your open communication and always putting your student athletes' interests first.

Thank you to all the Rutgers coaching and support staff. ... From the strength coaches to the trainers who helped keep me healthy and performing at my best. A special thanks to my main man and equipment manager Mike Kuzniak and his staff for getting us not only the best gear but the safest at that. You are all the unsung heroes of the team.

Thank you to my professors and academic advisers who challenged me to work as hard in the classroom as I do on the football field. Of all the honors I've earned during my time here, there's nothing I'm more proud of then my degree from Rutgers University. I'll be a “non-player” in life way longer then I'll be a “player” and I will always have my degree.

Football is the ultimate team sport. No one achieves anything on their own. My teammates over my time here at Rutgers have become friends I know I will have for the rest my life. Throughout all the things we have been through, we were able to prevail on top, and although it may not have been how we wanted it to be, we still were able to make history. To the absolutely amazing senior class I was blessed to be a part of, I want to say I really enjoyed every single step of the way with y'all boys! From the highs to the lows I couldn’t have asked for a better, more well-rounded group who put egos to the side and came together in their final campaign to be a part of something never ever done before. We set the bar high and it is on us to continue to encourage and support every Scarlet Knight who will put that uniform on in the future!

The next step in my journey is the biggest one yet. But I didn't want to leave here without being able to show my appreciation for the supports I've received from the Rutgers community. I love you all and God Bless.

F.A.M.I.L.Y.