Interview: 2020 Michigan CB/WR Jeffrey Knight Adds Another Season of Improvement to High School Resume

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Another season is in the books for University of Detroit Jesuit High School football team meaning all the Cubs got another opportunity to work on their game and showcase their growing skillsets. The opportunity to improve and expand his role and value with the Cubs was not lost on Class of 2020 athlete Jeffrey Knight. With a whole lot of heart, grit, and determination, he turned in another stat filled season full of improvement.

As a sophomore, Knight (5-8, 160) started to work his way into the Cubs’ rotation on offense coming up with seven receptions and a score. During his junior year, the coaches liked what they saw in Knights’ growing talents seeing him carry the rock 13 times for 80 yards and he pulled in another seven passes for 189 yards with a trip into the end zone. His production on defense increased going from an estimated 20 stops with a tackle for a loss, a forced fumble, and three passes broken up a year ago to 18 tackles, five tackles for a loss, a sack, nine passes defended, and a pick. His speed and athleticism were further displayed on special teams with 382 kick return yards on 18 attempts.

As interest builds up on the recruiting trail for Knight and with Detroit Jesuit wrapping up the 2018 season, I got a one-on-one interview in with the rising Michigan product to see how his junior season panned out.

Interview

Jeffrey, before the 2018 season began what personal goals did you set for yourself?

“For this year, I wanted to improve upon my catching abilities, my speed, and my overall strength. The 2017 season was a learning year. I did some positive things then, but I got a lot better this year. My strength and conditioning improved, and I ran a 4.5 flat.”

Do you feel that you were you able to accomplish the goals you set?

“Yes. I had more receptions my longest one was 83-yards. I broke more tackles this year and I was able to outrun my opponents this year. It showed during the season. The work in the weight room did help.”

Which game this season was your best and why do you consider that game to be your best?

“I feel like the De La Salle (Collegiate) game was my best. I had a long kick return and I had an 83-yard TD on a fade on the third play of the game. I think I had three kick returns for 50-plus yards in that game and I had the most receptions in a game against De La Salle.”

I have to ask you about the 50-yard kickoff return you had. What were you thinking when you saw you had one man to beat?

“I was so upset I didn’t get past him. In my head I was wondering if I should cut-back or keep going. I thought I could move the kicker with a move. Then I saw another De La Salle player coming. The kicker got me by the shoestrings. That would have changed the momentum of the game had I scored. I gotta work harder for it next year.”

How did your overall game improve throughout the season as a receiver?

“I feel like I improved a lot as a receiver. I only had one dropped pass this season. My route running has gotten better on outs, posts, and quick breakdown routes, and on comebacks. Route running is really important. You can have all the speed in the world but if you do not run the route right it does not matter.”

What about as a defensive back?

“It went really well. I had one interception on the year, five tackles for a loss, and 18 tackles total. I only allowed one TD scored on me and just two receptions caught on me this year. They tried to test me this year but I had a lot of pass deflections; I think I had nine total.”

What are your offseason goals?

“My offseason goals are to get stronger. I am ready to get in the weight room, I am looking forward to that. My goals are to improve upon my route running and working with my teammates as a whole so we can have a great senior year. I am looking forward to doing as many camps as I can this offseason to improve and get my name out there to college coaches.”

Nice lead-in. Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you?

“I am receiving interest from Concordia, Toledo, Mount Union, Florida A&M, Central Michigan, and Cincinnati.”

Have you taken any unofficial visits?

“Yes. I have taken visits to Toledo, Michigan, Concordia, Green Valley State, Michigan State, and Central Michigan.”

How did the Central Michigan visit go?

“It went well. I enjoyed myself. I got to talk to a lot of coaches and I talked to their DB coach.”

What about Toledo, how did that go?

“That was probably my favorite one. I talked to player personnel director there, we had a long talk. He talked to me about life on campus and the program. I got to experience the game day atmosphere. I went on the field, met the players, and talked to a lot of coaches. I really enjoyed my visit.”

Do you have any planned visits upcoming?

“Yes. I am going to Mount Union this weekend, and I plan on visiting Michigan and Michigan State soon.”

If there was a message you would like to send out to college coaches about the type of player you are that does not show up on the stat sheet, what would you tell them?

“Don’t look past me because of my size. I feel that I am getting overlooked because of my size. But, if there are any college coaches looking for a guy who works hard and gives it all he can, I am the guy for them. I’m not the tallest or strongest but I have the most heart of anyone out there. I give all my effort and all my heart to the game.”

Well said, Jeffrey. I appreciate your time today and good luck this weekend on your visit.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: Lamar Price; Jeffrey Knight