Photo by Brandon Jones, TexAgs
Texas A&M Football
Trevor Knight, for Campus Rush: 'I believe in the culture at A&M'
In a column released Thursday on Sports Illustrated's Campus Rush, Texas A&M senior quarterback Trevor Knight argues that graduate transfers are a good thing for college football — and coming to Aggieland was good for him.
SI is in the midst of an eight-part series breaking down the "recruiting, development and evaluation of quarterbacks," of which Knight's piece is Part VII.
Knight, following the completion of his undergraduate degree at the University of Oklahoma, transferred to Texas A&M to fulfill his final season of athletic eligibility; at the conclusion of spring football he was named the Aggies' starter for the 2016 opener.
Recalling his recruitment and journey to Norman, Okla., Knight explains what made the Sooners his original choice.
However, Knight struggled with injuries in 2014 while missing three games and turned in a season that fell below expectations. When Lincoln Riley arrived to take up the mantle of OU's new offensive coordinator, he selected Texas Tech transfer Baker Mayfield as the Sooners' next starting QB.
It was a blow, Knight lays out — but one made endurable by the graduate transfer rule.
Regarding his decision to move to College Station and spend his final season as an Aggie, Knight goes on to say:
For the story in its entirety, read Knight's piece and his argument for the grad transfer rule.
Gig 'em, Trevor.
SI is in the midst of an eight-part series breaking down the "recruiting, development and evaluation of quarterbacks," of which Knight's piece is Part VII.
Knight, following the completion of his undergraduate degree at the University of Oklahoma, transferred to Texas A&M to fulfill his final season of athletic eligibility; at the conclusion of spring football he was named the Aggies' starter for the 2016 opener.
Recalling his recruitment and journey to Norman, Okla., Knight explains what made the Sooners his original choice.
I was fortunate to receive a lot of scholarship offers from all over the country but as a San Antonio native, I knew I wanted to stay home, in Texas, close to my family. So I committed to coach Mike Sherman and the Texas A&M Aggies and thought I was done.
Then I was urged to go to a Junior Day in Norman at the University of Oklahoma. On our way home, I looked at Connor, my twin brother, and we both knew OU was the perfect place for us. So I switched my commitment.
Those four years at Oklahoma—I wouldn't trade them for anything in the world. It was incredible.
Then I was urged to go to a Junior Day in Norman at the University of Oklahoma. On our way home, I looked at Connor, my twin brother, and we both knew OU was the perfect place for us. So I switched my commitment.
Those four years at Oklahoma—I wouldn't trade them for anything in the world. It was incredible.
However, Knight struggled with injuries in 2014 while missing three games and turned in a season that fell below expectations. When Lincoln Riley arrived to take up the mantle of OU's new offensive coordinator, he selected Texas Tech transfer Baker Mayfield as the Sooners' next starting QB.
It was a blow, Knight lays out — but one made endurable by the graduate transfer rule.
It turned out Baker was the best option for us, and obviously it was a good decision—look at our record. We went to the College Football Playoff, and Baker was an All-America.
Throughout last season, all I did was try to be the same guy every day. I think if you ask anybody, they'd tell you I was a big, and present, part of that team. Was being the backup a confidence killer in a way? Yes, especially after you've been The Guy. It's hard to swallow, but I had no bitterness. I can honestly say that last season was a joy. As a little kid I dreamed about being part of the top program in the country and winning it all, and I had a shot at that.
But still, toward the end of the year, I missed playing and being on the field. And because of the fifth-year graduate transfer rule, I knew I could get back there.
Throughout last season, all I did was try to be the same guy every day. I think if you ask anybody, they'd tell you I was a big, and present, part of that team. Was being the backup a confidence killer in a way? Yes, especially after you've been The Guy. It's hard to swallow, but I had no bitterness. I can honestly say that last season was a joy. As a little kid I dreamed about being part of the top program in the country and winning it all, and I had a shot at that.
But still, toward the end of the year, I missed playing and being on the field. And because of the fifth-year graduate transfer rule, I knew I could get back there.
Regarding his decision to move to College Station and spend his final season as an Aggie, Knight goes on to say:
When I got my release, it was coach Riley who told me to transfer only if I found something I wanted to run toward; not to settle or move just because it would be more comfortable. Only go if it would impact the rest of my life. That's what I found at A&M.
…
For me, I felt instantly comfortable at A&M. I know what happened in the off-season with the other quarterbacks transferring out, but I also know the media and outside talk can sometimes make situations sound a lot worse than they really are. I believe in the culture at A&M. I believe in the people here, and the direction coach Sumlin is taking the program. The community here is really tight knit, and the football family wrapped its arms around me from the moment I arrived. I feel like I've already been here four years. I couldn't have asked for a better situation—and that's why I ran toward it.
…
For me, I felt instantly comfortable at A&M. I know what happened in the off-season with the other quarterbacks transferring out, but I also know the media and outside talk can sometimes make situations sound a lot worse than they really are. I believe in the culture at A&M. I believe in the people here, and the direction coach Sumlin is taking the program. The community here is really tight knit, and the football family wrapped its arms around me from the moment I arrived. I feel like I've already been here four years. I couldn't have asked for a better situation—and that's why I ran toward it.
For the story in its entirety, read Knight's piece and his argument for the grad transfer rule.
Gig 'em, Trevor.
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