Freshman Tailback Zonovan Knight Working Hard To Impact In 2019
2019 has been a blur for Zonovan Knight. He enrolled at NC State in January and was quickly thrust into action for the Wolfpack as returning tailbacks Ricky Person and Trent Pennix missed all or parts of spring practice with injuries.
Knight made the most out of the opportunity, as he was the star of the Kay Yow Spring Game and has put himself in a position where he is competing for the starting job.
He has settled in nicely, as right now is the “new normal.”
“It’s the new normal,” Knight replied when asked about acclimating himself to college life and football. “I feel like I’ve adjusted. I’d say that took until about the summer. For me and the freshmen who came in... even through spring ball it was like crazy that we were in college.”
Now Knight is just doing what he can to manage his time better and remain prepared to contribute.
“It’s a matter of me taking the time to learn the plays, getting good sleep,” Knight said. “Coach Doeren tells us about how Ryan Finley would have his phone turned off... do not disturb. I’ve been taking that advice.
“I always get on the jug machine, working on my hands, and then at night I’ll read over the playbook for this time right here. I do it so I won’t make mistakes on the field.”
Knight understands that he was recruited to contribute right away at a position NC State has had a lot of success. The Wolfpack has had three straight 1,000-plus yard rushers and three straight All-ACC tailbacks in Matt Dayes, Nyheim Hines, and Reggie Gallaspy.
“When coach Doeren and coach Kitchings were recruiting me they said that I’d have a chance to come in and make an early impact,” Knight said. “I took that as motivation. I’ve come in and been working hard. It’s just a matter of me taking that and showing it on the field.
“That’s why I chose to come here [the offense]. I always refer to how Nyheim Hines was used, being put out at receiver and the running back position, too. I feel like that’s how I’ll be used. They are definitely putting plays in like that.”
Consistency remains the focal point for Knight in fall camp.
“For the new people it’s looking efficient,” he said. “It’s just a matter of getting it consistent. It’s a matter of keeping it up versus going up and down.”