Interview: Rising 2020 Michigan Talent Jeffrey Knight Working Hard for Athlete Label
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
University of Detroit Jesuit High School has a rising talent on the roster. After a sophomore season earning varsity snaps on both sides of the ball, the blueprint for Jeffrey Knight (5-8, 158) going forward has been set and is now up to him to seize. Complete stats for the Cubs cornerback/receiver have not been released, but he took in an estimated seven passes on offense turning in one touchdown and collected 20 tackles, a tackle for a loss, forced a fumble, and broke up three passes on defense. In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with the 2020 Detroit prospect learning more about his 2017 season, offseason workouts, and growing recruiting interest.
Interview
Jeffery, how did the 2017 season go for you on the field?
“That was my first year playing varsity coming up from JV. I had good season on varsity playing offense and defense earning starts. I got more specific with my route running and better overall on defense. I feel like I had a good season and I learned a lot. It was a learning year. I want to show what I learned in 2018 season.”
You were all over the field during your sophomore year, where all did you line up?
“I played corner, receiver and slot, safety, a couple of plays at running back, and I was on kick return and returned one punt. My primary positions were corner, slot, and kick return.”
You do a lot of things well on the field as receiver, one of them that jumps out at me is your attitude and aggressiveness when it comes to blocking. What is your mentality on plays where your job is to block?
“You’re not always going to get the ball. Sometimes your job is to get the other receiver open. Sometimes you have to block, to get the first down or to get touchdown. You gotta block. I’ve been told by a lot of people that college coaches look at blocking receivers. I was disciplined with my blocking last season. I know if I am getting the ball, I want them to block for me. As a team, we made a vow to give our all for each other. It all could come down to one block for a win.”
When the ball is coming your way in the passing game, what are the strengths of your game?
“I think I have catch-up and open-field speed. I get a lot of bubbles and quick passes, then I immediately turn on the speed. Defensive backs and linebackers can’t catch me. When I get going up the field, it is hard to stop me. What I learned this year is when to turn it on and slow down for the ball to make the catch.”
What about at corner, what do you do well on the defensive side of the ball?
“On defense, I have to stay disciplined. I have speed and can catch up with the receiver but I cannot always rely on speed. If you don’t have fundamentals and do the technique, a receiver is going to catch the ball on you. You have to have a quick break to come downhill. You miss the tackle on the outside, there is no one behind you to stop the touchdown. As a corner, you must be more disciplined and use technique to stop everything that is coming my way.”
Between corner and receiver, which position do you like best?
“I like them equally. I don’t care where I play, I just want to play. I think I have an edge at receiver. I can showcase my speed more at receiver, but I like them equally. I love to hit and I love scoring touchdowns too. It is 50-50 for me.”
What are you working on this offseason?
“I’ve been training with Reggie Wynns. We are working on a lot of technique at receiver and at corner. Every weekend I am trying to find a field to work on my game. We are a team full of juniors. We have a lot of talented players on our team. I am in the weight room and going on the field for footwork and ladder drills. Even if it is 30 degrees outside, we still work. Champions are built in the offseason. If you have a terrible work ethic someone will beat you. You have to build the team together. You can have individuals that can play, but without a team you won’t win.”
What is the fastest 40-yard dash time you’ve posted?
“My fastest 40-yard time is a 4.5-flat.”
Where did you post that?
“At school during spring training last year. It was 30 degrees outside.”
Do you know which camps or combines you may attend this spring or summer?
“I am going to Camp Pride and Sound Mind Sound Body. I got an invite from Notre Dame and Western Michigan for their position camps. I want to find some more camps to go to this offseason.”
Which schools are showing interest in you?
“Howard, Mount Union, and Western Michigan.”
It is early in the process for you, but have you taken any unofficial visits yet?
“I have taken visits to Western Michigan and Tennessee State so far.”
Do you have any upcoming visits planned?
“I plan to go to Howard and I am trying to visit Saginaw Valley State. I am also planning to visit a lot of other colleges like Purdue, Syracuse, and Michigan State.”
Are you playing any other varsity sports this winter or spring?
“Yes, sir – track and field.”
Which events?
“The 100, 200, and 400, maybe the 4×2 relay.”
What is your best time in the 100?
“11.1. I have been a Junior Olympic qualifier the last four years. I qualified for state on Feb. 24.”
Congrats, and good luck with state.
“Thank you.”
Last question. What offseason goals have you set for yourself?
“This offseason, I have been doing indoor track. I want to get faster. I don’t have a lot of height, I want to utilize my speed even more. I have been working on my footwork. Track guys are fast, but they cannot breakdown fast. I want a quicker breakdown and quicker cut. I am working on my route running. If you can’t run the route right you won’t get open. My goals are to get faster and improve on the fundamentals.”
Jeffrey, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of your offseason workouts.
“Thank you.”
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Photo credits: Knight family; No. 2 Jeffrey Knight