2021 NFL Draft Prospect: Romeo McKnight, DE, Illinois State
The former Iowa Hawkeye is a name to watch in the FCS this season. Romeo McKnight transferred to Illinois State in 2018 and has dominated since his arrival.
The HERO Sports FCS Sophomore First-Team All-American played in all 11 games for the Redbirds in 2018. He was tied for the team lead with 9 tackles for loss and led the team with three sacks. The 6-foot-5, 260-pound beast contributed a team best 11 quarterback hurries and three pass breakups that season.
McKnight improved on those numbers last season for the Redbirds. The All-Missouri Valley Football Conference First-Team selection ranked fourth in the league with 12 sacks and 6.5 tackles for loss. The playmaking defensive end added 64 tackles and two forced fumbles for the season.
McKnight is a beast and has what it takes to play at the next level. Opposing offensive lineman are no match for him as he is constantly in opposing backfields forcing pressure on the quarterback. He hits hard and rarely misses on open field tackles. I expect McKnight to find his way on a NFL team next season
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