Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Q&A with Freshman All-American Anthony Knighton
08/19/2018 | 2:00:00 | Football
CARBONDALE, Ill. — Defensive end Anthony Knighton made a splash in his debut year for the Salukis in 2017. The MVFC Freshman of the year runner-up set SIU freshman records with 11.0 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks. He led the team in sacks and QB hurries with six. Additionally, he was named Freshman All-American by HERO Sports and Phil Steele Magazine. Knighton is looking to build on his successful freshman campaign with a Saluki defense that returns eight starters from last season.
You lived in Florida for the majority of your life. What brought you down to Southern Illinois and were you considering any other schools?
Out of high school, I had a lot of different offers from colleges, ranging from close to far away. I considered some and others did not work out, which ultimately led me to Southern Illinois. Coach (Nick) Hill and coach (Austin) Flyger were the two who recruited and gave me the opportunity to be a part of the football team.
Now that you have been here for more than two years, what do you like most about SIU?
What I like most is the family feel of the school. It especially feels that way with the d-line. Outside of football, we are always together hanging out.
Did redshirting your first year here as a Saluki contribute to last year's success?
I would say so. If I did not redshirt, I think I would have been mentally ready, but not physically.
What physical changes have you noticed since your first year here as a Saluki?
I have gotten stronger and quicker. When I first arrived here, I did not nearly use as many power moves as I do now.
Last season you set SIU freshman records in sacks and tackles for loss. What individual goals have you put in place for yourself this season?
The goal is always to have a better season than the last. The coaches are also stressing for everyone to play hard and fast each down.
The d-line returns every starter from last year. What excites you most about this group?
We just have fun day in, day out. Everything is a competition between us in practice. I think it pushes and helps us become better players.
Did you have a favorite professional team and player growing up?
My favorite team growing up was the Chargers because of LaDainian Tomlinson and how exciting he was out of the backfield. But my favorite player has to be Khalil Mack (Oakland Raiders linebacker). He is from my hometown, so I was always pulling for him to make it to the NFL.
Why do you choose to play football?
I simply have fun playing the game.
