Steven Sipple: NU assistant Terrance Knighton won’t duck questions, even in tough times
When new Nebraska defensive line coach Terrance Knighton was introduced to local media in January, he mentioned something that stuck in my cranium.
He told a roomful of reporters that he’s excited about building a relationship with them.
Say what?
That’s not something you hear very often from a coach, or anyone else these days.
Turns out, Knighton has a history of goodwill. As a defensive lineman for the Denver Broncos in 2014, Knighton was named winner of the Darrent Williams Good Guy Award, an award presented annually by the Denver chapter of the Pro Football Writers of America and named for the former Broncos cornerback who was killed in a drive-by shooting in 2007.
Knighton was honored after a vote of members of Denver-area media. The award is given for accountability and accessibility in the day-to-day workings of the season.
The 37-year-old Knighton told me a few weeks ago that he carries that mindset to this day.
“Whether we lost 42-0 or we won 42-0, I was going to be the same guy every day,” he said during a break in a Nebraska football youth camp. “I know you guys have a job to do, a tough job to do. I respect what everyone does.
“I don’t duck any questions. I won’t duck them on the tough days. With some guys, when it’s going well, they’ll talk to you. When it’s not going well, they don’t want to talk to you. Everyone loves it when you write good articles. But I’m a guy that when you write a bad article, well, you’re just calling it like you see it.
“I’ve never taken it personally.”
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Terrance Knighton has refreshing media approach
Yeah, his approach refreshing. He’s not alone in that approach with media. Nebraska’s had a long line of affable assistant coaches. But I can recall only a few who made it a point to build a legitimate relationship with media.
Of course, Knighton’s main concern is building a strong position group within new Nebraska defensive coordinator Tony White’s 3-3-5 system. Let’s face it, expectations aren’t particularly high for Knighton’s group. To wit: In Phil Steele’s college football preview magazine, he ranks position groups — and the Huskers’ defensive line failed to crack the top 60.
James Madison’s D-line ranks 26th in Steele’s publication. Navy is No. 42, Wyoming No. 43, Middle Tennessee State No. 48, and Air Force No. 52, to name a few.
Nebraska simply shouldn’t be ranked behind those programs. Ever.
It isn’t as if Knighton inherits a group with no hope at all. Ty Robinson, a 6-foot-6, 310-pound junior, has made 23 career starts. He entered the program with lofty expectations and should be ready to play the best football of his life.
Same goes for classmate Nash Hutmacher (6-4, 325), who drew strong praise from Nebraska’s new coaching staff during the spring. Hutmacher appeared in all 12 games last season and made 15 tackles.
Nebraska will count on sophomore Elijah Jeudy (6-3, 295), a transfer from Texas A&M who made five tackles in the Huskers’ spring game while also forcing a fumble.
Several untested and/or young Husker defensive linemen will need to step up as Knighton tries to squeeze all he can from the group.
Rochelle Knighton is oldest son’s best friend
His mom, Rochelle Knighton, likely will be paying attention. She raised four sons as a single mom, and Terrance Knighton was the oldest.
“Whether she was working at a restaurant or doing hair, she was always a server of people,” he said. “Being the oldest of four boys, I watched her closely. That’s something I picked up from her — respecting people.”
“I had it the toughest because I was the oldest,” Knighton added. “We like to say that me and her grew up together. She’s my best friend. We talk every day.”
Although she pays close attention to her oldest son, Rochelle Knighton isn’t exactly a college football aficionado.
“All she cares about is if I’m happy,” Terrance Knighton said. “I called her (in January) and said, ‘Mom, I got the Nebraska job.’ She said, ‘Are they D-1?’ She had no idea. She just told me to go up there and be the best I can be for those kids and make sure I do right in the community.
“I’m starting to look for ways to get the D-line involved in the community and help underprivileged kids and things like that. We’re going to have an impact.”
After meeting Knighton, it’s easy to see his potential as a recruiter. He’s relatable and genuine. He has a quick smile and easygoing nature. His NFL experience — he started 96 games over seven seasons for Jacksonville, Denver, and Washington — gives him instant credibility with players, although it’s not Knighton’s style to push his playing days on them.
However, if they ask, he has a wealth of knowledge.
Mom saves money as “extreme couponer”
He might even be able to help them save money with coupons. That’s because his mom — who’s a foster parent in Jacksonville, Florida — is an “extreme couponer,” he said.
“She has the ability to take $500 worth of groceries, and it ends up being like $20,” Terrance Knighton said. “It’s hard work.”
Knighton isn’t afraid of hard work. He digs in hard both as a coach and a recruiter. He handles a critical area, Houston, for Matt Rhule’s staff. The Huskers recently picked up a verbal commitment from defensive lineman Carlon Jones of Bay City, Texas, an hour from Houston.
Knighton scours the area for talent. He studies talent. He makes calls. He does what it takes.
“That’s all I do,” he said. “That’s college football. The coaching largely handles itself. We do a good job of coaching and a great job of balancing it all. I have great guys to look up to in coach White and coach Rhule. We’re being husbands, being dads and also recruiting and being relatable to parents.
“I’ve got to balance my days and make sure my schedule is right and communicate with as many kids as possible.”
He also finds time for mom, his best friend.
One gets the feeling he’s making her awfully proud.
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