Terrance Knighton's Rise in the NFL

Former Temple defensive tackle ('05-'08) Terrance Knighton, selected 72nd overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2009, has a very bright future ahead of him in the NFL. After a stellar first season in which he was arguably the best rookie defensive tackle out of his draft class, Knighton is ready to make a name for himself in the national spotlight, and his journey is unraveling before our eyes.

I spoke with Terry O'Brien of Black and Teal, a fan site devoted to the Jacksonville Jaguars, hosted by Fansided.com. The topic of our discussion was Terrance Knighton, and what Jags' fans are expecting from the young player this season.


1. With a year under his belt in Jacksonville, how do you see him being implemented into the Jags' defense this season?

Terrance Knighton is a main pillar in the front of the defense. There are no real backups for him. He is a real talent. He came into camp 30 pounds heavier and said his mother was cooking for him. The trainer took him home and his wife, an Olympic swimmer, cooked for him. He lost the weight. He has been wonderful in pre-season. He is a starter.

2. With Aaron Kampman now on the outside of Knighton, do you think that will give Knighton more opportunities up the middle? Or do you think it will work the other way around, in which Knighton will help Kampman get more 1-on-1's on the outside?

Terrance is frequently double teamed. Tyson Alualu jumps around. So what he see happening is three things. First, Terrance forms a wall for Aaron Kampman to come around. Terrance pushes the double team back and Aaron sneaks around back. We got a sack against Miami that way. Second is a stunt with Tyson where they cross. Third, if Terrance is single teamed, he pushes the guy into the backfield. They are teaching him a lot of different items, but I don’t expect a lot of sacks from him.

3. Do you think Knighton will surpass his rookie totals of 45 tackles and 1.5 sacks in his sophomore season?

I do. First off, with Tyson Alualu in the middle, teams will test the middle with the run giving him more opportunities. Second, with more pressure from the line in general, he will be more open. Right now, he has been more effective than Tyson Alualu.

Cherry & White in the NFL: Terrance Knighton

The newest installment to Cherry & White has finally arrived. “Cherry and White in the NFL” will take a look at the former players for Temple, and how they are handling the everyday life as a member of an NFL roster. Our first visit takes us down to Jacksonville, Florida where former Owls’ defensive tackle, Terrance Knighton, now calls home.

The second-year defensive tackle is set to make a big splash in Jacksonville after they sent away their Pro Bowl caliber defensive tackle, John Henderson. However, reports are circulating that Knighton is struggling to stay in shape. From what I’ve been hearing, he is nowhere near what Albert Haynesworth is dealing with, and he should be able to get himself down to his ideal size.
The past season for Knighton went very well. After he started 16 games, he had compiled 45 total tackles along with 1.5 sacks and even forced a fumble along the way. With Henderson gone, you have to believe that his stats should see an increase. But then again, with no Henderson starting alongside him, offensive lines may target him and completely eliminate him from being a factor.

The third round pick was, arguably, the lone bright spot on a struggling Jags defense in 2009. But this offseason hasn’t been to kind for Knighton, nor has training camp. It’s been reported that he is taking reps with the second-team defense, even after his superb 2009 campaign.

But don’t get discouraged by him being demoted to second-team is strictly based on the fact that he is a bit out of shape as of now. Just as the Washington Redskins are dealing with Haynesworth’s inability to pass a simple conditioning test, the Jags need to work Knighton just a little bit harder to get him ready. By Week One, Knighton will be lining up over the center, just where he belongs.

So what are our predictions for Knighton in 2010? It’s hard to judge how a defensive tackle will do, but (not trying to sound hopeless), I don’t see Knighton eclipsing 50 tackles this season, but anywhere from 35-45 is a reasonable assumption. He will, however, record a few more sacks, possibly around 3 to 4 by season end.

Let's just hope that Knighton can get back in shape as he was in rookie season, and continue to rise into a force up the middle.