Tag: Zonovan Knight

Undrafted Rookie Zonovan Knight flashing at Jets camp

Jets undrafted rookie running back Zonovan Knight is making an early case to crack the final 53-man roster, highlighted by a big run at Friday’s practice.

One of the highlights of the preseason is watching undrafted rookies fight for a roster spot, knowing they have an uphill battle from the start. The New York Jets may have one such undrafted gem in their backfield through a week of training camp.

Running back Zonovan Knight has been off to a solid start at training camp and the number of eyes only grew larger after Friday’s practice. They say the NFL is a “what have you done for me lately” league. Well, lately, Knight has been tearing it up and very lately, as in the last play of practice Friday, Knight busted out a 65-yard touchdown run.

As ESPN’s Rich Cimini pointed out, a defensive player did blow a run fit, but the fact remains Knight was able to find the hole and bust through for a big score, ending practice on about as high of a note as you can.

While at North Carolina State, Knight (5’11”, 209 pounds) averaged 5.5 yards per carry on roughly 140 carries per season during his three-year career in Raleigh. That’s the second-highest yards-per-carry mark in Wolfpack history. He had rushing totals of 745, 788 and 753 each season and score 18 touchdowns, including ten in 2020.

In 2021, he carried 140 times for 753 yards and three touchdowns, while also adding 21 catches for 156 yards receiving. All that came despite missing spring workouts because of offseason shoulder surgery.

Knight showed very good running ability and fights for every yard. He’s explosive and tough to bring down. He’ll build a strong case to be a spell back behind Breece Hall and Michael Carter. Knight is battling with Tevin Coleman, Ty Johnson and La’Mical Perine on the depth chart.

Knight can also return kicks. In fact, Knight posted the highest kickoff return average in 2021 at 34.4 yards per kick return.

Knight will have a chance to showcase his running ability on a bigger stage next Friday when the Jets open the preseason against the Philadelphia Eagles. If he can continue breaking out big runs like he did Friday, the Jets’ coaching staff will have a very tough time parting ways with Knight at the end of the preseason.

4 UDFA’s most likely to make Jets’ roster

These four undrafted free agents have the best chance of cracking the Jets’ 53-man roster at the end of the summer.

Joe Douglas hit what many have deemed a home run with the Jets’ 2022 NFL draft class. New York’s third-year general manager filled holes at positions of need with potentially elite talents, drastically altering the outlook of the team’s future in the process.

Members of Gang Green’s draft class aren’t the only neophytes who could make an impact at 1 Jets Drive this upcoming season. Douglas signed an intriguing undrafted free agent class. Some of those players have a chance to make the 53-man roster as Isaiah Dunn and Kenny Yeboah did last offseason.

Let’s take a look at which four undrafted free agents have the best chance of breaking training camp with the Jets.

5 things to know about new Jets RB Zonovan Knight

Zonovan Knight has a chance to add something to a crowded Jets running back room as a UDFA. Here’s what you need to know about him:

The Jets wasted no time adding to their running back room at the conclusion of the 2022 NFL draft, signing NC State’s Zonovan Knight as their first undrafted free agent.

New York drafted Breece Hall in the second round, but decided that Knight was worth bringing in nonetheless. It won’t be easy for Knight to earn touches with Hall, Michael Carter, Tevin Coleman and Ty Johnson in the mix, but he has a skill set that will allow him to compete among the group at a high level.

Let’s get to know Gang Green’s newest running back.