Throughout spring practice we will take a closer look at some of the players on the team. Today we talk with redshirt freshman running back, Will Knight.
Q: What made you choose ODU?
I enjoyed the culture and environment when I visited here. I also wanted to get to meet new people and live in a new place away from home. However, this football team and the people here at ODU are family to me.
Q: What is your major?
Sports management
Q: What are your career aspirations?
To eventually become a professional football player. However, if that does not work, I would like to still be involved in football in some capacity. I would eventually like to become a general manger for an NFL team. I am also looking at getting a minor in sports medicine to possibly become a trainer.
Q: When did you start playing football?
I started playing when I was nine.
Q: Did you play any other sports growing up?
Ran track throughout middle school and high school. I ran an 11.3 in the 100-meter dash and hold the record for my middle school.
Q: What adjustments have you had to make to your game to be successful playing for ODU?
I have had to get stronger and faster in order to compete at this level. I also need to study and better understand the playbook in order to be successful.
Q: How has this redshirt year helped you?
It has helped me build up my speed and strength. I have also been able to focus more on my classes and better prepare myself to be more competitive and a better player going into the fall.
Q: How was it getting the opportunity to play in a couple of games last year?
It was great because it allowed me to better understand the speed of the game and the transition of the level of competition at the division one level in comparison to high school. As a result of playing a couple games last year I believe I will be much more prepared to play in games this upcoming fall.
Q: In your time here what have you learned?
I have really enjoyed the environment at ODU and the fact that there are plenty of opportunities to network and people here to help me prepare for when I graduate. The coaches and the staff on the ODU football team always help me better prepare for practice and games.
Q: What do you think you can improve on this spring and summer into the fall?
I would like to work on my explosiveness as a running back and becoming a better leader and helping my teammates.
Q: Favorite athlete and why?
Le’Veon Bell because I try to learn from him to better improve my game and his patience in the backfield is incredible. I also like how explosive he is as a running back.
Q: Favorite food?
Stromboli
Q: Favorite movie?
Incredibles 2
Q: Favorite actor/actress?
Vin Diesel
Q: Favorite superhero?
Superman
Q: Any hidden talents?
I am good at sprint events in track.
Q: Any hobbies?
I like to work on cars especially mustangs.
Q: What do a lot of people not know about you?
My favorite candy is skittles.
Q: Favorite professional football team?
Philadelphia Eagles
Q: What is your favorite thing about playing football here?
I enjoy that the coaches really care about the players and helping us better improve ourselves our games and in life.
Q: This is your first time going through winter workouts, how was it?
It went well. I really appreciate the strength and conditioning coaches for conditioning us well. I feel a lot more confident especially at spring football practices.