2023 NFL Draft Diamonds Scouting Report: Tyrice Knight, LB, UTEP

Tyrice Knight is a LB for UTEP who displays good range and a strong ability as a pass rusher. Hula Bowl scout, Bryan Ault breaks down Knight as an NFL Draft Prospect in this article. — Tyrice Knight is an LB for UTEP who displays good range and a strong ability as a pass rusher. Hula Bowl scout, Bryan Ault breaks down Knight as an NFL Draft Prospect in this article.

Player Data

Name, Jersey #	Tyrice Knight
School (Code)	TXEP
Class Yr	5th Yr SR
Height, Weight	6010, 240
40 Yd Dash	4.86
Arms, Hands	N/A
Position/Depth	LB, starter
Honors/Captainship	N/A
Season Viewed (yr)	2021-2022
Games Watched	TXNO, VAOD, IDBO
Scout Name / Date	Bryan Ault – 9-9-2022

Per Year Stats (Most Recent First)

2021	TXEP: 101 T, 58 Solo, 43 AST, 2 Sacks, 2 FF
2020	TXEP: 54 T, 26 Solo, 28 AST, 1 Sack
2019	JUCO: 58 T, 29 solo, 29 AST, 2 FR, 5 INT
2018	JUCO: Redshirt

Only thing I’m scared is to bury is momma, I don’t fear much!! pic.twitter.com/c4fPkwBJtS
— T.Knight ????????????‍♂️ (@Tyricek_) January 17, 2022

Player Summary:

Athletic linebacker who is an average run defender but a strong pass rusher with good speed and ability to reach the QB. Against the run, he is average, but added weight/bulk could help him improve in this area. Has good pursuit skills, can flow to the ball when free, and can chase down ball carriers. Flashes good range at times. Can occupy space and free up other tacklers, but too often gets road-graded out of the play and shuffled around in a crowd, especially from pulling blockers. Needs to work on shedding blocks, especially with the use of their hands and developing a good initial punch, and being a better finisher in the run game; sometimes he looks like he doesn’t want to stick his nose in a pile. Primarily a drag-down tackler; would like to see him develop into a bigger hitter who can knock back ball carriers. As a pass rusher, he is good. Very effective and explosive Blitzer who takes good angles to the backfield gets skinny through open gaps and pursues the QB. Effective when used on fire-zone type blitzes where he does a nice job of shooting through gaps. Good when dropping back in coverage, defending in space, and making open-field tackles after the catch. Strikes me as a player who has good range when he is allowed to roam. Looks really skinny/thin for a guy listed at 235, could add some more weight in an NFL strength program.

Scheme Fit:

OLB in a 3-4.

Power Statement:

Tyrice is an average run defender, but a good pass rusher who can shoot through gaps and takes good angles to the QB. With added strength to his frame, he could develop into a good LB prospect.