Former Gamecock Demetrius Knight Jr. makes NFL rookie history

Former Gamecock linebacker Demetrius Knight Jr. made NFL rookie history this year, finishing with 106 total tackles, ranking him sixth all-time among rookies in a single season, according to StatMuse.

Knight Jr.’s total places him ahead of several notable names, including Luke Kuechly, Bobby Wagner, C.J. Mosley, and Leighton Vander Esch, an impressive milestone in his first NFL season. His production and consistency throughout the year quickly established him as one of the most impactful rookie linebackers in the league.

During his debut season, the former Gamecock added four tackles for loss, three sacks, two interceptions, a forced fumble, and seven passes broken up to go with his impressive tackle total. He also picked off a pass in the end zone on a two-point conversion attempt.

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Knight Jr.’s breakout campaign also capped off a strong season for Gamecock linebackers at the next level. Ernest Jones IV earned All-Pro honors, further highlighting South Carolina’s presence in the NFL.

What makes Knight Jr.’s rise even more remarkable is the path he took to get here. A 2025 second-round pick by the Cincinnati Bengals, Knight Jr. previously worked as a DoorDash driver while playing college football at UNC Charlotte, delivering food in his Jeep Compass often after games to help support his wife and daughter. It’s a reminder that his success is rooted not just in talent, but in persistence and sacrifice.

Knight Jr. spent just one season with the South Carolina football program, but he made it count. Earning some All-SEC honors, he was second on the team with 82 tackles. He also registered eight tackles for loss, two sacks, three forced fumbles, and the game-sealing interception in the rivalry contest against Clemson. The senior linebacker earned selection as a permanent team captain at the end of the year.

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