Zonovan Knight Ready to Attack Eagles With Intensity
NC State freshman running back Zonovan ‘Bam’ Knight came into the program as one of the Wolfpack’s highly touted prospects. State will need the Bailey, N.C. native to bolster the offense as the second half of the season opens up.
As the Pack prepares for its next contest, a road matchup against Boston College, sophomore running back Ricky Person Jr. will once again be absent. For the second contest in a row he will be sidelined with an injury, putting more of the workload onto Knight and the other rushers. Knight is prepared to take this heavier load in stride.
“I try to think that I’m just as important as when [Person] was here, but I know personally that Jordan [Houston], Will Dabbs, Trent Pennix, and I have to step up,” Knight said. “[Boston College] gives up a lot of explosive plays in the run game. It’s important for all the running backs to trust our O-line and follow their blocks.”
The popular story revolving around the Wolfpack’s offense regards NC State’s starter under center. Knight remains unfettered in his faith in the team’s quarterbacks, as he knows just how high their ceiling is.
“I trust our quarterbacks,” Knight said. “All of them are great quarterbacks. If we don’t have something going in the run game, I expect them to make big plays in the passing game.”
The difference maker for the Wolfpack to succeed in Chestnut Hill, Mass. is the energy presented from quarter to quarter. With problems especially becoming illuminated in the second half of recent contests, State has struggled to maintain a consistent intensity from the start to the end. However, Knight and the Pack is emboldened with a ferocity that, if maintained, can push State past the Eagles.
“We’re attacking them with the same mindset,” Knight said. “When we went to Florida State, we played good in the first half, but in the second half we embarrassed ourselves. We don’t want to ever have to go through that feeling again. Before Syracuse, we had an angry mindset that you could see on the field. Everybody executed and played very well. We want to keep that same mindset going into this week.”
Knight currently leads the team in rushing with 354 yards and three touchdowns on 69 carries. However, in the two road games thus far, Knight has only gained 96 yards on 19 rushes and has yet to find the endzone. Despite the adversity, Knight has the opportunity to narrow in on what’s hindered him and overcome his obstacles.
“On the road in college, you can barely hear yourself,” Knight said. “You’ve definitely got to be locked in. In high school, you can just to watch the quarterback. Now, you’ve got to watch the line and watch everybody. You’ve got to be aware of your surroundings.”
The Wolfpack’s season has been turbulent. With all of the ebbs and flows, NC State looks to stay the course and find itself with several wins down the last stretch. With the Wolfpack prepared to enter the Eagles’ nest, it’s likely that State will find victory with its Knight in red and white armour leading the charge.
“We’ve got to play all four quarters and execute every play,” Knight said. “We can’t let up.”