Demetrius Knight Selected by Bengals in NFL Draft
COLUMBIA, SC – South Carolina football senior linebacker and team captain Demetrius Knight has officially joined the NFL, as the Cincinnati Bengals selected him with the 17th pick of the second round (49th overall) in the recent draft. Knight is the first Gamecock linebacker to be drafted since Ernest Jones in 2021.
With a remarkable physique—standing 6-2 and weighing 235 pounds—Knight clocked an impressive 4.58 seconds in the 40-yard dash, showcasing his athleticism and agility. He will bring his elite character and leadership skills to a Bengals defense that struggled in both rush and pass defense in the previous season.
Knight is also part of a growing contingent of Gamecocks in this year’s draft, joining fellow South Carolina players Nick Emmanwori and TJ Sanders, who were also picked.
Before flourishing at South Carolina, Knight began his collegiate career as a quarterback with the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. After a brief stint there, he transferred to the Charlotte 49ers, where he debuted as an impactful linebacker. His final season in 2024 saw him excel in a competitive position group, recording 82 tackles—second on the team—along with eight tackles for loss, two sacks, three forced fumbles, and a key interception that clinched a victory in the rivalry game against Clemson.
Knight’s accolades during his time at South Carolina include being named the 2024 Rex Enright Team Captain, earning the Most Outstanding Senior award, and receiving an honorable mention for All-SEC. As Knight embarks on his professional journey, Gamecock fans and NFL enthusiasts alike are eager to see how this rising star will make his mark in the league.
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