Interview: 2022 OG/NG Talent Kameron Knox is Starting Both Ways for Chino Hills
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Kameron Knox is the kind of player all coaches love. Just put him anywhere on the field and watch him go. Off his freshman season, Knox (5-11, 260) was building a reputation as an up-and-coming defensive lineman with offers rolling in for the Class of 2022 recruit. At the midway point of the 2019 regular season, Knox is now building his resume on the other side of the trench starting at right guard for Chino Hills (2-3).
With offers on the table from Arizona State, Bethel (KS), Florida Atlantic, and Nevada, and playing a key role on the Huskies squad starting at right guard and nose guard, I sat down with Knox gaining insight on his growth on the field going both ways.
*Click link for April 1, 2019, RNG interview with Kameron Knox
Interview
Kameron, last time we connected you were in the middle of your spring workouts. How did the rest of the offseason grind go for you?
“It went well. I got stronger and faster. It was tough at the end going through fall camp being a little banged up. But in our first game, it was like nothing had happened.”
Which areas of your game did you focus on the most over the summer?
“This year I knew that I was going to play more offense than defense, that was what was needed for the team. I am starting on offense this season at right guard. At the start of the season, I was playing on defense but not starting. Offense was a main focus this offseason. It is something I had not played in a long time. I had to remember the things and techniques I needed to do the job. I worked on staying on blocks and dominating the guy in front.”
Did you do any extra outside training?
“Yes. I trained with Dennis Jackson, Drake Jackson’s (USC) dad.”
How did that extra work help push your game forward?
“He helped me a lot. He knows everything. He got his son in a great position, and he is trying to get other kids in that position as well. We worked a lot on my get off.”
The Huskies have played some tough teams in non-conference action this year. Getting the varsity snaps this season, how have you adjusted to the speed and strength of the game?
“I have adjusted well. In the first couple of games, I was comfortable early. Later on in games I was too overconfident and I was not thinking and focusing as I should have been. Now I am in a comfortable place. I am used to it. I am getting to know my opponent during the game. It is way easier now than in the first two games.”
Where are you showing the biggest improvements in your game this season on both offense and defense?
“On offense, that has gotten better. My defense, I worked on it, but I thought I would not be needed. After some things happened, I was called upon and I took over as starting nose guard. I am getting more comfortable starting both ways. Improvement wise, I improved on offense by staying on my blocks. On defense, I am driving the center back, making reads, and getting to the quarterback and stopping the run.”
Of the games left in league play, which ones are you and the team excited to play?
“We are definitely excited to play Rancho (Cucamonga). We have a bye week this week and then we face them. That will be a good game on our field. Last year that was a tough game (lost 35-14). We were shocked. We knew what they had, but they were ready and we were not. We have been watching film on them getting ready. We will be ready. Upland is another big game. We know who they have, guys like (5-star linebacker) Justin Flowe. Upland is a great team but they are beatable.”
When we spoke last offers were coming in for you. How many do you have now?
“I have four offers.”
Over the offseason, did you get to visit any schools?
“I visited BYU in April, but the most recent visits were to Sacramento State, Nevada, and UC-Davis.”
How did the Nevada trip go?
“It was good. I went the weekend of their spring game. It was fun. They had a great crowd. I got to talk to some coaches. It was a great weekend up there.”
Are there any trips you may take this fall?
“Yes. I am going to Arizona State for the USC game on Nov. 9.”
That’ll be fun. Last question for you. When you turn the TV on come Saturday or Sunday, which next level players are you watching to learn more about the game?
“Saturday is a busy day; I don’t get to watch much college football on Saturdays. On Sunday, I am watching the Colts. I watch Quenton Nelson (OC/OG). I want to be like him. I think I am better as an offensive player. When I am watching football, I am watching the offense.”
Kameron, it was great catching up with you today getting the inside scoop on your growing talents going both ways for the Huskies this season. Good luck in Baseline League action the rest of the way.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Knox family; Kameron Knox at BYU and Nevada