South Carolina linebacker Demetrius Knight Jr. has seen his stock rise with a strong Senior Bowl and Combine performance, but how does his full NFL scouting report look?
Overview, Film Analysis, And 2025 Scouting Report Of South Carolina LB Demetrius Knight Jr
Measurables:
- 6’2”
- 235 lbs
Player Background:
A three-star dual-threat quarterback recruit in the 2019 class out of Strong Rock Christian HS, Demetrius Knight Jr. originally committed to Georgia Tech. He quickly switched to linebacker because of his impressive size and appeared in every game his freshman year. In those 12 games, he made 18 tackles, had a sack, forced a fumble, and broke up two passes. The following season was very similar, although he only played in eight games, with another 18 tackles and a forced fumble.
2021 and 2022 were both big setbacks for Knight Jr., however, as his role diminished for the Yellow Jackets. He tallied just 17 tackles across the two years in 16 total games. He transferred to Charlotte after the 2022 campaign, immediately assuming a starting position. His tackle mark nearly eclipsed 100, he picked off three passes with one for a touchdown, and he accumulated 1.5 sacks and 5.5 tackles for loss. He built on his momentum, transferring again to South Carolina. In his lone year with the Gamecocks, he made 82 tackles with two sacks, three FFs, an INT, and eight TFLs.
Accolades:
- First-Team All-AAC (2023)
- Honorable Mention All-SEC (2024)
Strengths/Pros:
Knight Jr. has a ton of surface skills that NFL teams covet and plays at the effort level coaches dream of. He plays whistle to whistle on nearly every play and often involves himself in extended plays outside of most LBs’ comfort zone. Foundationally, he plays with an NFL frame and has fantastic functional strength. His leg drive flashes at the contact point, and it’s incredibly fun to watch. He throws ball carriers backward when he has momentum and is a brick wall even when he doesn’t. His bull rush is also as forceful as anyone’s when he gets going.
He’s a violent block shedder and tackler, showcasing some quick rip moves and using his weight well to bring ball carriers down efficiently. The biggest skill Knight Jr. shows off in non-contact situations is an advanced feel for the game. He knows how to be patient early to give himself the best opportunities to crash. He sees plays develop early, takes great angles to ball carriers, and adjusts himself smoothly on the fly to finish plays. His discipline shines in flat middle zones, rarely getting drawn by downfield action.
Weaknesses/Cons:
It has to be mentioned that Knight Jr. is 25 years old, creating legitimate questions surrounding his prime longevity. His size comes back to bite him at times, and he’s definitely a thicker and stiffer mover. Quicker wideouts will have a day with him in condensed areas, and he borders on being a liability in those situations. Another major issue with his movement skills is that they’re just not sharp enough to correct overshooting, something his aggressiveness leads to. He’s listed as having solid length, but he ends up barely missing too many plays.
Knight Jr.’s stop-and-go movements will need to be an emphasis for next-level coaching. His first step is too slow at points, preventing him from making a larger impact on some plays. Bluntly, he’s a slow compact move,r and his arms aren’t quick enough to make up for it. He lets his eyes drift too far in coverage, getting countered and sometimes moved off by quicker plays. He also tends to pick his directional burst too quickly, tipping his hand and getting driven back or too far out in front.
Potential Team Fits:
NFL Projection:
Knight Jr.’s age and concerning movement skills could give some teams pause, but his strengths greatly outweigh his weaknesses on tape. He’s a plug-and-play starter who should make an impact from the moment he steps onto the field. His effort, size, and overall violence make for a fun defensive prospect that many LB-needy teams will target, likely on Day 2. It will be intriguing to see how his total play style will match up with the ever-increasing emphasis on speed and agility in the NFL, but he’s got the tools and makeup to be a stable defensive playmaker for a handful of years.
Prospect Grade:
- Late 3rd Round
Film Exposures:
- 2024 vs. Oklahoma
- 2024 vs. Clemson
- 2024 vs. LSU
Main Photo: Kirby Lee – Imagn Images
