Terrance Knighton

Knighton's large body and fair athleticism is coveted by NFL scouts. The 2008 first-team All-MAC pick contributed heavily as a true freshman (after a post-graduate year at Milford Academy) before earning the starting nod in each of the next three seasons. He averaged 56 tackles, 7.5 for loss and four pass breakups from 2006-2008, while recovering six fumbles and blocking four kicks over the past two years. Teams looking for a one-gap 4-3 nose tackle will be most interested in Knighton.

positives

Good height, length and girth for his position. ... Better-than-expected straight-line speed and change-of-direction ability, able to sniff out and disrupt screen plays. ... Will chase plays downfield. ... Strong upfield rush, either up the shoulder of his defender or splitting double teams. ... Uses his long arms to wrap up in the open field or track down ballcarriers coming through the hole. ... Flashes violent hands, especially when his man retreats off the snap in passing situations. ... Active knocking down passes and blocking field goals because of his push, arm length and large hands. ... Keeps cut blocks off his knees. ... Athletic enough to quickly jump on loose balls and get down quickly in short-yardage situations.

negatives

Might be a nose tackle and three-technique "tweener." ... Not particularly explosive off the snap. ... Doesn't play as strong as his size would indicate and he will stand after the snap, giving up leverage. ... Needs to use his hands more consistently at the line to free himself to make plays or to bull rush his man into the pocket. ... Doesn't have many pass rush moves. ... Must be more consistent pressing after the initial pop.

Attended Milford Academy in New Berlin, N.Y., playing both TE and DL under head coach Bill Chaplick

Made 70 tackles and six sacks in 2004.

Was a two-year varsity letterwinner at Windsor (Conn.) High School, playing tight end and defensive end under head coach Mark Welch

Earned All-State honors from the coaches association and Hartford Courant All-Area accolades in 2003

Made 30 catches for 400 yards and four TDs as a junior

Was elected to the Governor's Cup Rhode Island-Connecticut All-Star Game

Was also an All-CCC West League basketball player.

Criminal justice major.