02-21-2023, 05:57 PM
(This post was last modified: 02-27-2023, 03:54 PM by xenosthelegend. Edited 2 times in total.)
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University of Hawaii Redshirt Junior TE Ryan Knock has decided to forgo his Senior Year and make the jump to the ISFL ranks. With the Warriors and Head Coach Timmy Chang going back to the Run and Shoot offense, there was going to be no room for the homegrown talent from Kaimuki High School. He is looking to be the first TE to be drafted in school history.
Born in Honolulu, Knock didn’t play football until middle school for the local PAL League. Originally. Ryan wanted to be a QB just like many who have grown up watching the June Jones era of Warrior football. Looking up to people like Chang, Rolovich, but especially the late Colt Brennan.
However, once he started attending Kaimuki High School his path was altered. He didn’t make the varsity team and had to walk on to junior varsity. He faced what many others did, there are way more QB’s than there are spots. That meant being either highly talented or endless potential– most of the time both. Knock was just not there.
Knock also realized he didn’t have the build to be the QB needed in the modern day ISFL. Measuring at 6’1 215 lbs at the time, he knew he would be too big for the position. It was the recommendation of his old middle school coach to have a look at TE. Ryan gave it serious thought since he felt TE would be an interesting move and had respect for the position.
During his freshman year he had a chance to try TE and it ended up being a great match. With many schools doing a Run and Shoot or similar offense (thanks to UH) TE was not used. Despite that fact, many high schools still kept them on the roster for other packages. Knock only had 15 catches for 210 yards and a TD that year but it was his blocking that needed work and it was the focus. “Blocking was definitely the biggest change for me. Changing my mindset and making sure I knew my assignments and sticking with them.”
Knock stayed on the JV team for his sophomore year, which ended up being a turning point in his career. In the OIA final, he caught the winning TD in a 40-39 thriller over McKinley. He ended the year improving in all stats– 29 receptions for 449 yards and 5 TD’s. He also added 6 pancakes to lead non offensive lineman.
Making the varsity roster his junior year, Knock led all TE’s in the state with 8 TD’s. The Bulldogs didn’t make the playoffs, however Knock made 2nd team All OIA honors. It was also the time then Warriors coach Nick Rolovich started to keep tabs on the TE. At the time, Rolovich ran a Run and Shoot with UH but still kept a TE on the roster for blocking purposes.
Turmoil and turnover for Kaimuki derailed Knock’s senior year, he had 14 catches for 210 yards and 0 TD’s. The only school that maintained contact was UH, and they decided to offer him a scholarship. Knock did not hesitate and accepted.
Going in, Knock knew that he would be redshirted immediately. He actually welcomed it– “After having to walk on and start over at Kaimuki, it taught me that not being on the field is not the worst thing. Especially, if that means I’m in the weight room or watching tape. Always improving and waiting for the time. That’s the best way I can contribute to the team.”
It was that work ethic that led Knock to the starting roster his sophomore year. After 2 seasons of training and getting smarter with his craft it all paid off. Knock led all TE’s in the Mountain West with 20 receptions for 290 yards and 4 TD’s garnering a first team All Mountain West with first year head coach Todd Graham.
Despite turmoil during that offseason, Knock persevered under new head coach Timmy Chang. Sticking with the Pro offense Knock finished the year with 29 receptions for 384 yards and 7 TD’s for his second All MW First Team appearance in what a disappointing 3-10 season for the Warriors.
Ryan was the last and only Warrior this year to have 3 different head coaches (Chang, Todd Graham and Nick Rolovich) during his time in Manoa. In the Pro offense he profiled as a Possession style TE with blocking ability. Knock had a total of 49 receptions for 674 yards and 11 TD’s over 23 games (20 starts) in a Warrior uniform.
It was definitely bittersweet for Knock. “I’ll always be a Warrior and that will never change. As much as I wanted to stay, the fire to play and progress is greater. It’s going to be a long road but I’m going to work hard every day and always be better than I was the day before.”
There are as many TE’s in Free Agency as there are on ISFL rosters. The timing could be great for Knock, the Draft for this season has already occurred. That means he will have a whole season to train and impress the League in the S41 Draft. The appetite for offense in the league is the highest in years, Knock says that is what he will be working on the most. “Getting faster, working on my footwork, my hands, and of course staying sharp with my blocks. Lots to work on and improve!”
It’s too early to tell how this would affect the Draft landscape for the ISFL. TE is not in heavy demand right now. However, the position is also projected to be thin in next year’s draft. The timing could help Knock get the exposure necessary to help propel his draft stock. There is also the option of being picked up on waivers in the DSFL, Knock has indicated submitting his application to be in the waiver pool. “The DSFL would be another great opportunity for me to learn and get my feet wet with professional football. Being able to apply what I learn in the film room would pay big dividends for my career.”
One thing to note: We may see Knock sooner than we think– as the ISFL does have the hometown Honolulu Hahalua. “It would be amazing to be a pro AND be home! I hope the Hahalua are interested.” There is no word on if the team is interested or what their draft plans are. However, the ISFL is in preseason. A lot can happen over the season that may change that.
The ISFL draft is scheduled for May 1, 2056.
University of Hawaii Redshirt Junior TE Ryan Knock has decided to forgo his Senior Year and make the jump to the ISFL ranks. With the Warriors and Head Coach Timmy Chang going back to the Run and Shoot offense, there was going to be no room for the homegrown talent from Kaimuki High School. He is looking to be the first TE to be drafted in school history.
Born in Honolulu, Knock didn’t play football until middle school for the local PAL League. Originally. Ryan wanted to be a QB just like many who have grown up watching the June Jones era of Warrior football. Looking up to people like Chang, Rolovich, but especially the late Colt Brennan.
However, once he started attending Kaimuki High School his path was altered. He didn’t make the varsity team and had to walk on to junior varsity. He faced what many others did, there are way more QB’s than there are spots. That meant being either highly talented or endless potential– most of the time both. Knock was just not there.
Knock also realized he didn’t have the build to be the QB needed in the modern day ISFL. Measuring at 6’1 215 lbs at the time, he knew he would be too big for the position. It was the recommendation of his old middle school coach to have a look at TE. Ryan gave it serious thought since he felt TE would be an interesting move and had respect for the position.
During his freshman year he had a chance to try TE and it ended up being a great match. With many schools doing a Run and Shoot or similar offense (thanks to UH) TE was not used. Despite that fact, many high schools still kept them on the roster for other packages. Knock only had 15 catches for 210 yards and a TD that year but it was his blocking that needed work and it was the focus. “Blocking was definitely the biggest change for me. Changing my mindset and making sure I knew my assignments and sticking with them.”
Knock stayed on the JV team for his sophomore year, which ended up being a turning point in his career. In the OIA final, he caught the winning TD in a 40-39 thriller over McKinley. He ended the year improving in all stats– 29 receptions for 449 yards and 5 TD’s. He also added 6 pancakes to lead non offensive lineman.
Making the varsity roster his junior year, Knock led all TE’s in the state with 8 TD’s. The Bulldogs didn’t make the playoffs, however Knock made 2nd team All OIA honors. It was also the time then Warriors coach Nick Rolovich started to keep tabs on the TE. At the time, Rolovich ran a Run and Shoot with UH but still kept a TE on the roster for blocking purposes.
Turmoil and turnover for Kaimuki derailed Knock’s senior year, he had 14 catches for 210 yards and 0 TD’s. The only school that maintained contact was UH, and they decided to offer him a scholarship. Knock did not hesitate and accepted.
Going in, Knock knew that he would be redshirted immediately. He actually welcomed it– “After having to walk on and start over at Kaimuki, it taught me that not being on the field is not the worst thing. Especially, if that means I’m in the weight room or watching tape. Always improving and waiting for the time. That’s the best way I can contribute to the team.”
It was that work ethic that led Knock to the starting roster his sophomore year. After 2 seasons of training and getting smarter with his craft it all paid off. Knock led all TE’s in the Mountain West with 20 receptions for 290 yards and 4 TD’s garnering a first team All Mountain West with first year head coach Todd Graham.
Despite turmoil during that offseason, Knock persevered under new head coach Timmy Chang. Sticking with the Pro offense Knock finished the year with 29 receptions for 384 yards and 7 TD’s for his second All MW First Team appearance in what a disappointing 3-10 season for the Warriors.
Ryan was the last and only Warrior this year to have 3 different head coaches (Chang, Todd Graham and Nick Rolovich) during his time in Manoa. In the Pro offense he profiled as a Possession style TE with blocking ability. Knock had a total of 49 receptions for 674 yards and 11 TD’s over 23 games (20 starts) in a Warrior uniform.
It was definitely bittersweet for Knock. “I’ll always be a Warrior and that will never change. As much as I wanted to stay, the fire to play and progress is greater. It’s going to be a long road but I’m going to work hard every day and always be better than I was the day before.”
There are as many TE’s in Free Agency as there are on ISFL rosters. The timing could be great for Knock, the Draft for this season has already occurred. That means he will have a whole season to train and impress the League in the S41 Draft. The appetite for offense in the league is the highest in years, Knock says that is what he will be working on the most. “Getting faster, working on my footwork, my hands, and of course staying sharp with my blocks. Lots to work on and improve!”
It’s too early to tell how this would affect the Draft landscape for the ISFL. TE is not in heavy demand right now. However, the position is also projected to be thin in next year’s draft. The timing could help Knock get the exposure necessary to help propel his draft stock. There is also the option of being picked up on waivers in the DSFL, Knock has indicated submitting his application to be in the waiver pool. “The DSFL would be another great opportunity for me to learn and get my feet wet with professional football. Being able to apply what I learn in the film room would pay big dividends for my career.”
One thing to note: We may see Knock sooner than we think– as the ISFL does have the hometown Honolulu Hahalua. “It would be amazing to be a pro AND be home! I hope the Hahalua are interested.” There is no word on if the team is interested or what their draft plans are. However, the ISFL is in preseason. A lot can happen over the season that may change that.
The ISFL draft is scheduled for May 1, 2056.