Interview: 2022 Chino Hills DL Kameron Knox Already Sitting on Three Offers
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The future is extremely bright for Class of 2022 defensive lineman Kameron Knox. The young Chino Hills defender impressed the Huskies staff over the summer bypassing playing freshman ball working his craft against junior varsity and varsity competition throughout the 2018 season. The 5-11, 260-pound, rising talent has impressed beyond the coaches on his staff and the Baseline League competition pulling in three scholarship offers from Arizona State, Florida Atlantic, and Nevada. Visits have been taken to Mountain West and Pac-12 Conference schools with a heavy slate of unofficials this week covering the state of Utah up into Idaho.
With all that Knox has going for him on and off the field, I sat down for an exclusive RNG one-on-one interview learning more about the Huskies’ grinder in the trenches.
Interview
Kameron, how did your freshman season play out on the field playing with the varsity squad?
“It was great. I did not play a lot, there were a lot of seniors ahead of me. This year, all the seniors are gone so the coaches need guys at my position this season. I am ready to take that on.”
You got the call up to the varsity level, when did that happen?
“It happened in June. At Chino Hills, we have a summer program. They give the freshmen an opportunity to come in and compete. I spent one week with the freshman, but I have been up with the varsity squad since then. My call up was not like a mid-season thing.”
Impressive. Did you also get to play with the junior varsity squad?
“Yes. I played all the JV games and suited up for every varsity game.”
What were the big changes you had to make as a freshman playing against guys four years older than you with more experience on the field?
“I had to get stronger, faster, and I had to adjust to the older guys. Since Pop Warner I have played against the older guys. I was big as a kid and have a late birthday, I have always played up a level against the older guys. I have not really played with people my age.”
What do you feel are the things you do well on the field as a defensive lineman at this point in your career?
“I can use my strength against any offensive lineman. I have gone up against top guys at the Rivals camp. That was a good place for me to compete. I have not gone up against the Mater Dei or Bosco guys like that before, besides playing against Rancho Cucamonga and Upland. I love to compete and have fun. My get off is good, even though I stand up sometimes; I am working on that. I am working on staying low and working to shed blocks.”
That experience had to serve as motivation for you. You just mentioned a couple of things that you are working on, what else are you working on this offseason with your game?
“I am working on in-game scenarios. Last year I worked on getting stronger and faster. Now I am working on how to get to the QB faster and how to get off blocks faster so I can make plays.”
Where are you seeing the improvements already with the work put into your game?
“I see myself as a smarter football player, not just as a smarter defensive lineman. I see myself as a better teammate who is working hard so we can succeed on the field.”
Are you staying at nose guard next year or will we see you in multiple roles?
“I think I will play defensive tackle and nose guard. We do not run a 50-front that much, we run more of a 40-front. I will be at defensive tackle most of the time.”
You mentioned the Adidas Three-Stripe Camp a minute ago, how did that go for you?
“That was a learning experience. That was my first camp. I went against great offensive linemen. It was fun.”
Do you have any other upcoming camps you may attend?
“I am planning on competing at the Nike Opening in Oakland in May.”
You impressed well enough in 2018 to earn some offers already, which schools have offered you?
“Arizona State, FAU (Florida Atlantic), and Nevada.”
That is fantastic. Which school was the first to offer you?
“Arizona State.”
What was it like for you personally receiving that first offer?
“I was excited. I knew there was more to come and that I had to keep putting work in so I can become a better defensive lineman.”
Have you visited any programs yet?
“Yes. I have visited Arizona State, Utah, BYU, UNLV, USC, and UCLA.”
Wow. You have been busy. Do you have any upcoming visits scheduled?
“Yes. I am going with my dad this week to UNLV, Utah, BYU, Utah State, Idaho State, Weber State, Dixie State, and Southern Utah.”
That is a busy visit schedule. That will be fun. Turning away from football. What is your favorite subject in school?
“My favorite subject is probably biology. It is easy for me. We are talking about genetic disorders and mutations, I find that very interesting.”
When you are not working out or doing a football related activity, what are you doing for fun?
“I am playing PS4, watching Netflix, or hanging with my family. I don’t do a whole lot else except hang out with friends and play basketball.”
Kameron, it was great getting time in with you today especially ahead of your busy week ahead. I hope that goes well for you.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Knox family; Kameron Knox at Arizona State