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Demetrius Knight Jr. shares inspiring reason for playing in Citrus Bowl
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Demetrius Knight Jr. had an extremely productive season for the South Carolina Gamecocks. The senior linebacker finished the regular season with 75 total tackles, which was behind only Nick Emmanwori for the team lead.
With Knight being an NFL Draft hopeful and the Gamecocks not making the College Football Playoff, it wouldn’t have been surprising to see the LB skip his team’s upcoming bowl game. However, on Friday, the LB shared his inspiring reason for deciding to play in the game.
“I have kids. I didn’t want my daughter or son to ask me why I didn’t play in the last game,” Knight explained. “I don’t want to give them an excuse. I want to show them how to finish what you start. If you start it, finish it.”
It’s a refreshing message from Knight in an era where many players feel bowl games aren’t worth the risk. Making Knight’s attitude even more impressive is the fact that 2024 was his first and only season with the Gamecocks.
Knight began his college career at Georgia Tech where he played from 2019-22. In 2023, Knight transferred to Charlotte where he broke out with 96 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and 3 interceptions. The impressive season put Knight on the radars of some big schools, with South Carolina ultimately winning out for the defender’s services.
The Gamecocks impressed in 2024, ending the regular season with a 9-3 record. The team had Playoff hopes, but ultimately ended up as the No. 15 overall team in the final CFP rankings. Knight and the Gamecocks will kick off against Illinois on New Year’s Eve at 3:00 p.m. ET.
Bryce Lazenby covers college football for Saturday Down South. A Nashville native, his previous stops include FanSided, Dimers, and The Leaf-Chronicle.
