Demetrius Knight Jr., South Carolina LB: Rising Star in Gamecocks’ Defense
Demetrius Knight Jr. has emerged as one of the standout linebackers in college football during his time at South Carolina. The 6’2″, 245-pound senior brings impressive credentials to the Gamecocks’ defense after previously playing at Georgia Tech and Charlotte.
Knight’s combination of elite straight-line speed and natural blitz timing makes him a classic downhill MIKE linebacker. He consistently shows explosive first-step gap penetration.
Knight’s journey to Columbia represents a veteran presence on the Gamecocks’ defensive unit. The Locust Grove, Georgia native earned first-team all-conference honors before arriving at South Carolina for his final collegiate season. His experience across multiple programs has polished his skill set, transforming him from a dual-threat quarterback in high school to a formidable linebacker who commands attention from NFL scouts.
When watching the South Carolina Gamecocks linebacker in action, his ability to diagnose plays and attack downhill stands out. Knight embodies the physical, aggressive style that defines SEC linebacker play. His development under the Gamecocks’ defensive coaching staff has enhanced his draft profile, with his remarkable blitz timing and explosive first step frequently disrupting opposing offenses.
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Early Years and High School Career
Demetrius Knight Jr.’s journey to becoming a standout linebacker began on a different side of the ball entirely. His athletic versatility and leadership qualities were evident from his earliest days on the field.
High School Achievements
Knight attended Strong Rock Christian School in Locust Grove, Georgia, where he made history as the program’s first Division I athlete when he signed with Georgia Tech. What makes his development particularly interesting is that he originally played quarterback during his high school years.
As a dual-threat QB, Knight showcased the athleticism that would later serve him well on defense. Standing at 6-2 and weighing 195 pounds in high school, he possessed the frame to eventually transition to linebacker at the collegiate level.
Knight’s impressive performances at Strong Rock Christian caught the attention of college recruiters despite playing at a smaller program. His natural leadership abilities were evident even then, commanding the offense before eventually becoming a defensive force.
The versatility Knight displayed in high school—combining throwing ability with running prowess—provided the foundation for his football IQ and physical tools that would translate well to reading offenses and pursuing ball carriers as a linebacker.
College Career Overview
Demetrius Knight Jr.’s collegiate journey spans three schools and showcases his development from a raw prospect to an accomplished linebacker. His path through Georgia Tech, Charlotte, and South Carolina demonstrates remarkable perseverance and growing defensive prowess.
Freshman Year Impressions
Knight began his college career at Georgia Tech in 2019, where he showed flashes of potential despite limited playing time. The 6’2″ linebacker appeared in four games while preserving his redshirt status, recording 3 tackles and 0.5 tackles for loss.
His athleticism caught the eye of coaches early, but as with many freshmen, consistency remained a work in progress. Knight spent much of that initial season learning the defensive scheme and adjusting to the speed of college football.
Teammates noted his dedication in practice, even when game opportunities were scarce. His raw physical tools were evident, though technical refinement remained a priority heading into his sophomore campaign.
Sophomore Season Developments
The 2020 pandemic-shortened season presented unique challenges, but Knight showed marked improvement in his second year at Georgia Tech. He appeared in 7 games, recording 12 tackles and developing his understanding of defensive positioning.
Knight demonstrated improved play recognition, particularly against the run. His sideline-to-sideline pursuit speed became more evident as coaches expanded his role in the Yellow Jackets’ defensive rotation.
Technique refinements became apparent in his tackling approach. Knight’s film study habits paid dividends as he began diagnosing plays more quickly, though he remained a developmental prospect within the linebacker corps.
| 2020 Season Stats | Total |
|---|---|
| Games Played | 7 |
| Total Tackles | 12 |
| Tackles For Loss | 1.5 |
| Sacks | 0 |
Junior Year Performance
Knight’s junior season at Georgia Tech in 2021 represented his most productive year with the Yellow Jackets. He recorded 19 tackles across 10 games, showcasing improved consistency and more impactful defensive contributions.
His ability to shed blocks progressed noticeably, allowing him to be more disruptive at the point of attack. Knight registered his first career sack and added three tackles for loss, demonstrating improved playmaking ability.
Coverage skills showed development as well, with Knight looking more comfortable dropping into passing lanes and reading quarterback intentions. Despite this progress, he would ultimately decide to explore opportunities elsewhere after the season.
The Yellow Jackets’ defensive struggles provided valuable learning experiences, even as team results disappointed. Knight’s football IQ continued to expand throughout his junior campaign.
Senior Season Contributions
Knight transferred to Charlotte for the 2022 season, seeking a fresh start and expanded role. The move paid immediate dividends as he became a significant contributor for the 49ers defense, appearing in 12 games.
His productivity jumped dramatically with 59 total tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, and 3 sacks. Knight’s experience and physical maturation were evident in his play, as he demonstrated consistent gap discipline and tackling technique.
Leadership qualities emerged during his time at Charlotte. Knight’s communication skills and pre-snap adjustments helped the entire defensive unit, earning respect from teammates and coaches alike.
| 2022 Season Stats | Total |
|---|---|
| Games Played | 12 |
| Total Tackles | 59 |
| Tackles For Loss | 6.5 |
| Sacks | 3 |
| Forced Fumbles | 1 |
Graduate Season and Final Stats
Knight made the most of his final collegiate stop, transferring to South Carolina for the 2023 season. His move to the SEC level showcased his ability to compete against elite competition, recording 28 tackles and 2 tackles for loss.
The Gamecocks benefited from Knight’s veteran presence and versatility. He demonstrated particular effectiveness in short-yardage and goal-line situations, using his experience to diagnose plays quickly.
Knight earned first-team all-conference honors during his final season, validating his development through a six-year college career spanning three programs. His journey represents an increasingly common path in modern college football.
NFL scouts noted Knight’s football intelligence and special teams potential as strengths heading into draft evaluations. While not projected as an early-round selection, his experience against top competition and multi-scheme versatility create intriguing depth potential at the next level.
Statistics and Records
Demetrius Knight Jr. has established himself as one of South Carolina’s defensive anchors. His statistical profile showcases impressive tackling numbers, coverage skills, and ability to disrupt opposing offenses at critical moments.
Career Tackling Records
Knight’s tackling ability stands as his most notable attribute. Over his career with the Gamecocks, he has accumulated 149 solo tackles and 79 assists for a total of 228 combined tackles. The 2024 season has been particularly productive, with Knight already notching 57 solo tackles with several games remaining.
His tackle distribution shows consistency across all areas of the field, demonstrating his sideline-to-sideline range. Knight’s open-field tackling technique has become a hallmark of his play style.
| Season | Solo Tackles | Assisted | Total | TFL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Career | 149 | 79 | 228 | 14.5 |
| 2024 | 57 | 22 | 79 | 5.0 |
Knight ranks among the SEC’s top linebackers in tackling efficiency, missing fewer than 7% of tackle attempts. NFL scouts have him projected as a mid-round selection largely due to this reliability.
Linebacker Coverage Stats
In coverage, Knight has developed into a versatile defender capable of handling multiple assignments. He has recorded 4 interceptions throughout his career, including 1 interception in the current 2024 campaign.
His pass defense statistics also include several pass breakups, with 2 pass breakups in a recent season showing his improved ability to defend the passing game. Knight’s coverage skills have expanded each season, allowing defensive coordinators to keep him on the field in obvious passing situations.
Against tight ends and running backs, Knight has been particularly effective, allowing a completion percentage below 62% when targeted. This versatility has pushed him up draft boards as teams increasingly value linebackers who can stay on the field for all three downs.
Pass-Rushing Achievements
While primarily known for his tackling and coverage, Knight has developed into an effective pass rusher when called upon. His career includes 4.5 sacks, with 2.0 sacks recorded in the 2024 season alone.
Knight has been especially disruptive in forcing turnovers, with 3 forced fumbles in 2024. One notable performance included a sack for 11 yards and a forced fumble that changed the momentum of a key conference game.
His blitz timing has improved dramatically over his career, as evidenced by an increased pressure rate when sent after the quarterback. Knight has shown particular effectiveness on delayed blitzes, using his acceleration to surprise offensive linemen who are already engaged with defensive linemen.
Play Style Analysis
Demetrius Knight Jr. brings a versatile skill set to the linebacker position, combining explosive athleticism with instinctive play recognition. His multi-dimensional approach allows him to impact games in various ways, from penetrating the backfield to dropping into coverage.
Run Defense Techniques
Knight excels as a classic downhill MIKE linebacker with remarkable gap integrity and decisive play recognition. His run defense is characterized by an explosive first step that consistently helps him penetrate offensive lines and disrupt plays before they develop.
When taking on blockers, Knight displays exceptional technique. He shoots his hands perfectly to the guard’s chest, using his functional strength to maintain leverage and shed effectively. This technical proficiency allows him to stay clean and make plays.
His sideline-to-sideline speed is among the best in the 2025 draft class, enabling him to chase down ball carriers even when plays are directed away from him. Knight’s tackling technique is solid, wrapping up consistently with few missed opportunities.
| Run Defense Stats | 2024 Season |
|---|---|
| Total Tackles | 97 |
| Tackles for Loss | 14.5 |
| Forced Fumbles | 3 |
| Run Stop % | 11.2% |
Pass Coverage Skills
In coverage, Knight demonstrates surprising fluidity for a linebacker with his frame. He excels in both man and zone schemes. He shows instinctive play recognition that allows him to anticipate route combinations and jump passing lanes effectively.
His ability to turn and run with tight ends and running backs makes him a three-down linebacker prospect. Knight’s closing speed when breaking on underneath routes creates tight windows for quarterbacks and has resulted in several pass breakups and interceptions.
Against RPO concepts, Knight shows exceptional discipline, maintaining his responsibilities while reading the quarterback’s intentions. This combination of athleticism and processing speed makes him particularly valuable in today’s NFL.
| Coverage Stats | 2024 Season |
|---|---|
| Interceptions | 3 |
| Pass Breakups | 7 |
| Passer Rating When Targeted | 74.3 |
| Coverage Snaps | 342 |
Rush Strategies and Sacks
Knight’s pass rushing ability might be his most translatable skill to the NFL level. He possesses a natural blitz timing that allows him to disguise his intentions until the last moment, often arriving in the backfield untouched.
When engaged by blockers, Knight utilizes a compact but effective move set. His speed-to-power conversion is impressive, allowing him to push back offensive linemen and collapse the pocket from interior blitz packages.
Knight’s passion and instincts shine when rushing the passer. Defensive coordinators at South Carolina utilized this by deploying him on creative pressure packages. His productivity as a pass rusher (8.5 sacks in 2024) demonstrates versatility that NFL teams covet.
Most draft analysts project Knight as a day two selection with the potential to become an immediate contributor as a three-down linebacker capable of impacting all phases of defense.
Physical Analysis and Attributes
Demetrius Knight Jr. brings an impressive physical profile to the linebacker position that has NFL scouts taking notice. His combination of size, strength, and athleticism makes him one of the more intriguing linebacker prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft class.
Strength and Conditioning
Knight’s frame carries a well-distributed 247 pounds on his 6’2″ body, and he uses every ounce effectively. His upper body strength shows up consistently on film, particularly when taking on blockers at the point of attack.
What stands out most is Knight’s functional strength. He doesn’t just look the part in the weight room; he translates that power to the field.
His core strength allows him to maintain leverage when wrestling with offensive linemen, often shedding blocks with powerful hand techniques that create separation.
The South Carolina standout’s conditioning also deserves mention. Knight rarely leaves the field, maintaining his physical dominance even in fourth quarter situations when fatigue typically sets in for many linebackers.
Speed and Agility
Knight’s 4.58 forty-yard dash places him in the upper tier of linebacker prospects when it comes to straight-line speed. This velocity translates to the field where he displays elite straight-line speed and excellent pursuit angles.
His closing burst to the ball carrier stands out on film. Knight can cover significant ground in a hurry, turning what looks like a potential gain into a tackle for loss.
What’s perhaps most impressive is Knight’s change-of-direction ability. Despite his size, he can flip his hips and redirect with minimal wasted motion.
His lateral quickness makes him valuable in coverage situations, where he can mirror running backs out of the backfield or carry tight ends up the seam. This impressive range is a key component of his three-down potential at the next level.
Size and Reach
At 6’2″ and 247 pounds, Knight possesses prototypical size for the modern NFL linebacker. He’s not the tallest linebacker in the draft class, but his proportional length and bulk make him an ideal fit for multiple defensive schemes.
Knight’s frame allows him to maintain good pad level when taking on blockers, giving him natural leverage advantages. His arm length, while not officially measured yet, appears above average on film.
The Locust Grove, Georgia native uses his size efficiently in tight spaces. Between the tackles, Knight demonstrates the physical play style necessary to stack and shed offensive linemen.
| Measurable | Value | Percentile (LB) |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 6’2″ | 65th |
| Weight | 247 lbs | 70th |
| 40-Time | 4.58 | 75th |
| Tackles (2023) | 57 solo | Top 10 SEC |
| Sacks (2023) | 2.0 | N/A |
His size-speed combination makes Knight a versatile defender who projects as a true three-down linebacker at the NFL level, currently ranked as the #3 linebacker prospect in the 2025 draft class.
Impact on South Carolina Gamecocks
Demetrius Knight Jr. transformed the Gamecocks’ defense during his lone season in Columbia after transferring from Georgia Tech. His veteran presence and playmaking ability elevated South Carolina’s linebacker corps to new heights in the competitive SEC landscape.
In-Game Leadership
Knight’s influence on the field went far beyond his impressive statistical production. The senior linebacker earned the 2024 Rex Enright Team Captain honor, a testament to his immediate impact on the program’s culture.
His leadership showed up in crucial moments, particularly against SEC opponents. Knight consistently positioned teammates correctly pre-snap, cutting down on defensive alignment errors that had plagued the Gamecocks in previous seasons.
During South Carolina’s upset win over Texas A&M, Knight recorded 11 tackles and 2 TFLs while making several key third-down stops. Defensive coordinator Clayton White often mentioned Knight as an “extension of the coaching staff” on the field.
His football IQ translated to statistical dominance in 2024, finishing with 82 tackles, eight tackles for loss, two sacks and an interception while playing all 13 games.
Knight’s 2024 Statistical Impact
| Category | Total | SEC Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Tackles | 82 | 11th |
| TFLs | 8 | 14th |
| Sacks | 2 | 23rd |
| INTs | 1 | T-15th |
Bowl Game Performances
Knight saved his most complete performance for the Gamecocks’ bowl appearance, showcasing the big-game potential that has NFL scouts projecting him as a mid-round selection in the 2025 draft.
Against Clemson in the annual rivalry game that helped secure bowl eligibility, Knight was nothing short of spectacular. His 14-tackle performance included a momentum-shifting interception that silenced the Death Valley crowd.
In South Carolina’s bowl victory, Knight earned defensive MVP honors after recording 9 tackles, 1.5 sacks and a forced fumble. His ability to diagnose plays and shoot gaps stifled the opposing run game throughout the contest.
Knight’s pre-snap communication proved especially valuable in both postseason appearances, as South Carolina’s defense held both opponents under their season scoring averages. This bowl game excellence has boosted his NFL draft stock significantly heading into the combine.
Professional Prospects
Demetrius Knight Jr. has positioned himself as an intriguing linebacker prospect for NFL teams seeking a versatile defender with exceptional straight-line speed. His journey from quarterback to linebacker showcases his athletic versatility and football IQ.
NFL Draft Considerations
Knight’s stock continues to rise heading into the 2025 NFL Draft. Currently projected as a mid-round selection, his elite straight-line speed and natural blitz timing have scouts taking notice. The former dual-threat quarterback’s instincts clearly translate to the defensive side of the ball.
His journey through multiple college programs (Georgia Tech, Charlotte, and South Carolina) demonstrates adaptability, though some scouts question whether this indicates inconsistency or valuable experience.
Knight’s 40-yard dash time has impressed at pre-draft workouts, placing him among the faster linebackers in this class. His explosiveness shows up consistently on film.
| Measurable | Result | Draft Class Rank (LB) |
|---|---|---|
| 40-Yard Dash | 4.52 sec | Top 10 |
| Bench Press | 22 reps | Mid-tier |
| Vertical Jump | 36.5 in | Top 15 |
Projected Team Contributions
Knight profiles as a classic MIKE linebacker who excels when attacking downhill. His explosive first step consistently shows up in gap penetration, making him particularly valuable in blitz packages and run defense.
Teams like the Raiders have shown interest, as Knight could potentially solve run defense issues for several NFL squads. His quarterback background gives him unique diagnostic abilities when reading offensive schemes.
Knight compiled 5.5 sacks in his final collegiate season, demonstrating his pass-rush upside. However, his coverage skills remain a work in progress.
NFL defensive coordinators will likely deploy Knight initially in early-down situations while developing his three-down capabilities. His special teams value also bolsters his draft profile as he transitions to the professional level.
Off-Field Activities and Community Work
Demetrius Knight Jr. has established himself as more than just a standout linebacker for the Gamecocks. The sixth-year player has become equally known for his commitment to community service in Columbia.
Knight regularly volunteers at local elementary schools, reading to children and emphasizing the importance of education. His “Knights of Knowledge” program, which he started during his time at Georgia Tech and brought to South Carolina, has provided school supplies to over 300 underprivileged students.
When not on the field or studying, Knight dedicates time to the Children’s Hospital. Since arriving at South Carolina, he’s logged more than 150 volunteer hours at the hospital. Hospital staff note his consistency in showing up even during the busiest parts of the football season.
Knight’s leadership qualities extend beyond the locker room. Team coaches have praised his mentorship of younger players, particularly in guiding them toward community engagement opportunities.
| Community Service Activity | Hours (2024-25) | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Children’s Hospital visits | 150+ | Weekly visits to pediatric patients |
| Knights of Knowledge program | 75 | School supplies for 300+ students |
| Youth football camps | 60 | Coached 400+ local children |
| Habitat for Humanity | 40 | Helped build 2 homes in Columbia area |
Knight’s community work hasn’t gone unnoticed by NFL scouts. Several teams have specifically mentioned his character and leadership as valuable intangibles that complement his on-field performance.
The linebacker also founded a holiday toy drive that collected over 1,000 gifts for local children in December. “Giving back is just part of who I am,” Knight told local media. “Football is temporary, but impact lasts forever.”
