Let’s build up the Browns linebacker group in the NFL draft with a guy who will stick somebody
The Cleveland Browns have one of the best defensive minds in the league coaching the defense, Jim Schwartz. He loves run-stoppers. His philosophy is for the defensive front four to be the pass rusher and the linebackers are now free to cover running backs and tight ends in pass coverage.
This means the defense has to have capable backers who can accomplish all of this.
Demetrius Knight of South Carolina is a menace at linebacker. He is ranked #30 so he should be available when the Browns use the first pick in Round 2.
The linebacker collected multiple accolades in 2024, including the “Rex Enright Team Captain Award”, “Most Outstanding Senior” recognition, and “Joe Morrison MVP Defense” honors. His academic achievements include three appearances on the ACC Academic Honor Roll (2019-2021) so the intelligence is there.
He is also a distant relative of Gladys Knight and Aretha Franklin.
Knight is one of those pandemic athletes and was able to play college football a bit longer. He is not a huge sack guy which is okay with Schwartz’s system because the backers don’t blitz much. But he is a beast against the run.
At the Reese’s Senior Bowl, DBN’s Barry Shuck sought out linebacker prospects and Knight was at the top of the linebacker list to interview.
LB Demetrius Knight – South Carolina
6’-2”, 245 pounds
4.77 40 time
Projected round: 2
Q: You played quarterback in high school at Strong Rock Christian School. Coming out of high school you didn’t have a lot of interest from colleges. What message do you want them to know now that you are ranked the #30 draft prospect, playing at the Senior Bowl, and about to be drafted into the NFL?
A: I appreciate the journey. It took me from being persistent to being consistent and being true to yourself.
This SMACK by #Gamecocks LB Demetrius Knight II. #SeniorBowl pic.twitter.com/ItJH3jZdAa
— Jordan Sigler (@JordanSig) January 29, 2025
Q: How difficult was it to switch sides of the ball?
A: It was not the easiest transition at all. It was one of the hardest things I had to do in life. Throwing the ball and making plays, to now calling plays on the defensive side and making tackles. Taking on offensive linemen instead of being protected by offensive linemen. I wouldn’t trade it for the world.
Q: You are known for your strength and conditioning. What is your routine in the off-season?
A: My off-season regimen is to continue to watch what I eat and have a regular workout schedule. Being able to relax for a change and be with my wife and my two children who are seven months and the other one is about to be two. That gives me a clear mindset and then when I get back to it I am able to work a little harder each time.
Q: What is your diet like during the season?
A: You might think that as soon as the season is over you would go pretty wild, but it is not like that. Both in-season and off-season diet is about the same. I rely on my wife for my nutrition – she has a knack for that. She does a really good job so that I can maintain my weight. It’s not just boring stuff. She cooks chicken, broccoli, Caesar salad, corn, and I am really hooked on the salmon she fixes. It’s good stuff.
Q: Clemson has dominated South Carolina in recent years. Yet with 12 seconds left Clemson had a second-and-10 at the 18-yard line down by three. You had an interception in this rivalry game to seal the win. Take me back to that play.
A: Basically, it was Cover 3. I went into the backfield pretty quickly which put us in four strong. So, we are going to the strength of the formation now so that if the receiver does catch it I can tackle him for a short gain. It was tipped, I dove and got it right before it touched the ground and made the play.
Q: Did that make you “Big Man on Campus” that week?
A: That it did. Any store in Columbia when I showed my face.
Q: You were named ACC Academic Honor Roll three years in a row. With football and a wife and kids, when did you find time to study?
A: As soon as I got home. That was always something my mom instilled in me. Do your homework first. It’s part of the game to be a student/athlete and know if I want to keep playing, that is something that has to be taken care of. Both my parents are really smart.
Q: How would you describe your coverage skills?
A: I have good zone coverage awareness and am willing to help out in all phases of defense if that will keep me on the field.
Q: You are athletic enough to cover the tight end in space. What is the key to covering a guy who has the height and size advantage over you?
A: Stay in their back pocket – stay near their hip. Keep track of the ball as it approaches their hands, keep my eyes on my man and let my speed do the rest.
Q: The Browns have one of the best defensive coaches in the league. What advantage does that give for a new player trying to learn the ways of the league?
A: That would make my dream come through to come to a team that has an elite defensive coach. He can use me like a Swiss army knife. That would be awesome.
Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images
Q: The Browns use their linebackers more for coverage and to stop the run. Are you a huge blitzing linebacker?
A: Not usually. This year I was asked to blitz more, but normally my job is to stop the run and cover either the running back or the tight end on passing downs. But this year we were a bit blitz-heavy and I can do both.
Editor’s note: Knight had two sacks in 2024 and 4.5 in his college career
Q: Who were some of your favorite NFL players growing up?
A: Lavonte David of Tampa Bay who is still playing at a high level. When I was a quarterback it was Michael Vick. But since I switched over, I liked more linebackers.
Q: What are you hoping to show the NFL coaches and scouts this week?
A: A guy who loves football. A player with explosiveness and energy to come in and make plays. A guy who is fast and will get to the ball. A leader on and off the field, and I am a good tackler and can hit hard.