By Alec Martucci
Arizona redshirt senior Jonathan McKnight is one of the most eminent names on the Wildcat football team. As arguably one of the more, shiftier defensive threats, McKnight continues to stipulate first-rate coverage each play as one of Arizona’s starting defensive backs.
Described as a rather quiet individual, McKnight undeniably holds an admirable leadership role on the team while characteristically letting his actions solely speak for himself.
“I like to lead by example,” said McKnight. “Simply by doing the right things all the time, on and off the field, which is just how I think things should be,” he explained.
Assistant coach charged with the cornerbacks, David Lockwood has coached McKnight for three seasons in the Arizona secondary, admiring his leadership abilities, and on-field talent since day one.
“A lot of the great leaders just aren’t big vocal guys, and simply lead by example and in their actions, which is how Jon is,” said Lockwood.
“He has always been the guy that just came to practice with his hard hat, and his lunch pale everyday, ready to work, and progress as much as he can,” added Lockwood. “And it certainly stood out.”
As a self-described laidback guy, McKnight translates his cool, calm and collected behavior into his leadership role brilliantly while on and off the gridiron.
“I don’t tend to yell at my teammates a whole lot, or really get down on them while out on the field,” said McKnight, “I’ll pull them to the side, and just offer advice. While off the field, I don’t cause problems, and look to lead by example just by staying out of any hassle.”
Aside from such a distinguished leadership role on the team, McKnight’s play-making abilities have set him a part from the rest, as well. Quarterbacks are not comfortable throwing McKnight’s way, which seemingly leaves him as the recurring unsung hero on the Arizona defense. All thanks to his consistently remarkable coverage on opposing receivers.
McKnight believes his play-making abilities have been spot on thanks to “everything Coach Lockwood has to offer while coaching and developing my game, getting my technique down, and maturing.”
His progressed maturity has certainly been noted throughout the years. Lockwood went on to say how McKnight’s notable development on and off the field has to do with “maturing, and growing up, while demonstrating more confidence, as well. He definitely has a much shorter memory now, too, which is crucial as a defensive back, and that just comes with the offseason and being healthy,” said Lockwood.
Staying healthy was somewhat of an obstacle in the beginning of McKnight’s career, as he redshirted the 2011 season with a knee injury.
“My injuries have only made me stronger,” said McKnight. “It’s something that actually my brother and I can both relate to, just keep our heads up through it all.”
McKnight’s brother, Joe, of the Kansas City Chiefs, has battled injuries during has NFL career, and is currently battling an injury this season. McKnight shared his brother’s advice, and the guidance he offers as an older sibling.
“My brother continues to tell me to keep my head up high throughout any adversity at all because football is full of adversity,” said McKnight. “He stresses me to keep my head up through it all, especially while I was going through my injury. We both really don’t express much though, or offer advice until the time comes. It’s not us being reluctant, we just let it all out on the field, which in turn makes us competitive people.”
As the 2014 season is McKnight’s final as a Wildcat, aside from the guidance and leadership he offers, McKnight’s exceptional sense of competitiveness will surely be missed as well.
“He’s really revered for demonstrating competitiveness on the field, solely through his play,” said Lockwood. “He’s learned what we expect of him, how to work, and has proven to be more of a model for the younger guys on the team, too.”
McKnight thanks head coach Rich Rodriguez for the competitive sense, explaining how such a driven and hungry atmosphere won’t be missed once he’s gone.
“Instilling such a competitive environment all goes to Coach Rodriguez,” said McKnight. “As long as he is around, we’ll always have a hungry and competitive feel once my career here is done. That just starts in practice though. If you’re not going to be competitive in practice, then you won’t be competitive come game time.”
Reflecting on McKnight’s career, an overwhelmingly favorite memory dates back to “that spectacular pick six in the Oklahoma State game,” said Lockwood. “Right now, I got a beautiful picture of that pick hanging up in my man cave at home, that moment was a game changer that I’ll never forget.”
Looking back on the upset, McKnight gladly explained the illustrious moment.
“That was my first interception after coming back off of my injury,” said McKnight. “We were in zero coverage, just an all out blitz, man-to-man, and I saw the QB getting pressured, and rolling out. The man I was covering was out, though the QB thought the receiver was good. So I wasn’t going to let him catch the ball, I didn’t hesitate, and broke it up when I saw the chance.”
Rounding out his career in Arizona, McKnight hopes to leave his teammates knowing “that the key is to be yourself. Prepare for the worst, but prepare for the best, too. Just go out on the field each time, and play your hearts out,” he said.
With only a short stretch of games on the line, McKnight anticipates Wildcat fans to see “that our team’s character, all the time, and forever will be, to play hard, to give it our all. We always play all out to get to where we have to go.”
