Cincinnati Bengals Pick Demetrius Knight Jr. From South Carolina on Day 2 of the 2025 NFL Draft | Instant Reaction

Demetrius Knight Jr., a standout linebacker for the South Carolina Gamecocks, has carved an inspiring path to the 2025 NFL Draft through resilience, versatility, and leadership. Born on January 4, 2000, in Locust Grove, Georgia, Knight’s journey began at Strong Rock Christian School, where he starred as a dual-threat quarterback, becoming the program’s first Division I athlete by signing with Georgia Tech. His athletic lineage is notable, with cousin DeAngelo Hall, a former NFL Pro Bowler, and distant cousins, music legends Gladys Knight and Aretha Franklin, adding a unique dimension to his story.

 

Knight’s college career spanned six years across three programs, showcasing his adaptability. At Georgia Tech (2019–2022), he transitioned from quarterback to linebacker, appearing in 36 games and recording 51 tackles, a sack, and a fumble recovery. After redshirting in 2022, he transferred to Charlotte, where he exploded for 96 tackles, earning First-Team All-AAC honors in 2023. His final collegiate stop at South Carolina in 2024 cemented his reputation as a defensive anchor. Named team captain, Knight tallied 82 tackles (57 solo), 8.0 tackles for loss, and 2.0 sacks, earning the Rex Enright Team Captain award, Most Outstanding Senior, and Joe Morrison MVP Defense honors. A pivotal moment came in the 2024 regular-season finale, where his interception of Clemson’s Cade Klubnik sealed a rivalry win.

 

Standing at 6’1” and 246 pounds, Knight’s physicality and instincts make him a classic MIKE linebacker. Scouting reports praise his elite straight-line speed (4.58 forty), explosive first step, and ability to penetrate gaps, as seen in dominant performances against Alabama and Oklahoma. His pre-snap communication and blitz timing reflect a high football IQ, developed from his quarterback days. While his run defense is exceptional, with long arms aiding in shedding blocks, his coverage skills, particularly in man-to-man, need refinement due to limited lateral fluidity. Off the field, Knight’s maturity shines. A father of two, he balanced football and family, even working DoorDash at Charlotte to provide for his children. His commitment to finishing strong was evident in his decision to play in the 2024 Citrus Bowl, emphasizing to his kids the importance of perseverance. Projected as a Day 2 NFL Draft pick, Knight’s blend of athleticism, leadership, and character positions him as a potential defensive cornerstone with green-dot potential.