Countdown to 2018 IUFB Kickoff: 62 Days (Brandon Knight)

Written By Alex Compton

COUNTDOWN TO KICKOFF: #62- BRANDON KNIGHT

Height: 6’5’’
Weight: 307 pounds
Hometown: Noblesville, IN
Year: Senior
Position: Tackle

When healthy, Brandon Knight is one of the Big Ten’s best tackles. The Big Ten, and Big Ten East especially, features some of the best the country has to offer when looking at defensive ends, but Knight's challenge so far in Bloomington hasn’t been blocking those guys. Knight's biggest challenge has been with the “when” I just mentioned, which is a tough break for him, the team, and fans alike, as he’s a joy to watch on the field. A healthy Brandon Knight stabilizes what should be a very strong offensive line for Indiana in 2018, and gives the offense a better chance at improving a solid amount in the upcoming season. Knight has played in 29 games so far in his three seasons in Bloomington, starting 14 of those contests. He is the unquestioned starter at right tackle heading into the season opener at Florida International, and will be relied on heavily to be one of the more vocal leaders on the team this season. 

If you remember, he worked his way onto the field immediately as a freshman by playing tight end in running situations. However, in one of my favorite plays in recent memory, he ran a beautiful wheel route at Purdue in that freshman season to catch a 22 yard pass for a crucial score in a game that saw IU win and clinch a bowl berth. Since that play, Knight hasn’t had to run routes or handle the ball, because he’s just that good at playing tackle. With some young guys on the bench and in the rotation behind him, a big year on the field would allow them more time to learn and get ready to jump into more game action in 2019 and beyond. If he plays in all 12 (or hopefully 13) games this year, you’re looking at an All-B1G caliber tackle on the right side, with the ability to really do it all at the right tackle position. Only 62 days until kickoff.