Name: Rondre Knowles
School: UVA Wise
Position: DT
Height: 6’1”
Weight: 305
What goals did you set and/or accomplish in your final collegiate season?
My goals were this season was first and foremost stay healthy and have fun honestly. You won’t ever get your senior season back so I wanted to put emphasis on enjoying the college atmosphere.
Q: How do you think you took advantage of the extra year of eligibility to increase your chances of going pro?
It gave me a chance to continue to sharpen my game. Add more tools to my game which I’ve developed and feel comfortable with.
Q: What would your coaches and teammates say about the type of player you are?
I’d believe they would say a talented player. One who doesn’t like losing, one who left everything on the field every time he played for his teammates.
Q: When you are studying film, what are the things you focus on to improve your game?
Mainly I’m watching for the smallest details that would give me an edge. I look at the schemes. The offense, different pass pro in different situations. I’m trying to learn every possible thing I can.
Q: What separates you from the other pro prospects at your position?
At my size there are not money guys that can Rush the passer like I can. What separates me is my quickness, unexpected burst, also how I think about the game.
Q: What is your offseason plan to train and prepare for professional opportunities?
I’m going to train where my agent wants me to train and prepare for my pro day.
Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?
A team would get a player who is willing to do what it takes to win. Someone with no ego, a true teammate in the sense of the word. Who can also make big plays. I have never been in any problems off the field. Clean track record. They would get a player who’s dependable.
Q: What is your final pitch to the NFL and any other pro leagues?
Finally, don’t be afraid to take a shot on this smaller school player. I’ve been in a bigger market as well as now finishing up at a smaller school. I’ve seen what winning is like and what losing is like, I know how to win and I will do what it takes to get a team there. You’ll get a player that will make big plays when you need it and someone you can trust on and off the field.