D.J. Knox
Running Back
Purdue

Alex Khvatov:  What are your measurements (height, weight and forty time)?

D.J. Knox:  5’7, 211 and high 4.5’s – low 4.6’s at the pro day.

Alex Khvatov:  Where are you currently training for the NFL Draft?

D.J. Knox:  I trained at Boost Performance in Nashville, Tennessee.  My agent had a good connection with the head trainer.  We had about 30 guys there.

Alex Khvatov:  How would you describe your performance at your most recent Pro Day?

D.J. Knox:  I was satisfied with my work.  Mostly because my numbers got better.  I did exactly what I was supposed to do.  I made cuts.  I was explosive and I caught the ball well.  I was happy with the 20-yard shuttle.  I ran a sub 4.3.  That my best time.  6.92 at the L-drill which was really good for me.  I did better in those areas.

Alex Khvatov:  What type of feedback did you receive from scouts after the workout?

D.J. Knox:  They could tell that I have been working on my game.  I did a great job.  I improved in most areas.  I looked good.  I am a great guy, and the school speaks highly of me.

Alex Khvatov:  Coming out of high school, what programs showed interest in you?

D.J. Knox:  I came late on the recruiting scene.  I had a big senior year.  Purdue was the first power 5 school to show interest in me.  It was an opportunity to play at the next level.  I waited for two days and committed.  Other schools showed interest after that.

Alex Khvatov:  Why did you choose Purdue?

D.J. Knox:  I stayed true to Purdue.  They believed in me.  They wanted me.  I decided to stay loyal to them.

Alex Khvatov:  What are your strengths?

D.J. Knox:  Quickness and strength.  I am a smart player.  I am a small stature player, so I have to find ways to get ahead of the game.  I am always watching film and understand the game.

Alex Khvatov:  What areas of your game are you trying to improve upon?

D.J. Knox:  More quickness in and out of my cuts.  When you go up to another level like the NFL, guys are faster and they are better athletes across the board.  I want to be quicker and more explosive.

Alex Khvatov:  Describe your overall career.

D.J. Knox:  Early in my career, we didn’t win a lot of games at Purdue.  I was a special teams’ player my freshman year.  I gave all of my effort on special teams.  I became the starter as a sophomore, but due to injuries and miscues, I lost my job that year.  I tore my ACL in 2017.  It was my true junior year.  My redshirt junior year, Coach Brohm came in.  I wanted to prove myself and show that I could be valuable to the team.  Next season, I was awarded the starting job as a senior.  I played hard my last season.  We won a lot more game my final two seasons.

Alex Khvatov:  What is the highlight of your career up to this point?

D.J. Knox:  The 2017 season was the turning point for this program.  Purdue football was looked down upon.  We created a different aura in the community.  Football became fun again.  There was a lot of excitement around the program.  We sealed it with the bowl win.  There was a different vibe next year.  A lot more people came to our games.  We had primetime games this year.

Alex Khvatov:  What is your biggest accomplishment in college that you are most proud of?

D.J. Knox:  Graduating and joining a fraternity.  I set small goals for myself.  I attacked and defeated any challenge that was out there for me.  My biggest accomplishment would be coming to Purdue.

Alex Khvatov:  What have you learned the most from your coaching staff?

D.J. Knox:  Be aggressive.  Don’t sit back.  Don’t be afraid.  Most guys have adapted the mentality of coach Brohm.  Be a student of the game.  Always attack and put your best foot forward.

Alex Khvatov:  What is your favorite NFL team?

D.J. Knox:  I am from Atlanta.  Back home, there is a lot of love for the Falcons.  They are one of my favorite teams.  But at this point, any team that will pick me.

Alex Khvatov:  Who is your favorite NFL player?

D.J. Knox:  I have looked up to Darren Sproles and Maurice Jones-Drew for a long time.  I also like defensive players.  I like to hit.  I like the rough part of football.

Alex Khvatov:  What is the most important trait for a RB?

D.J. Knox:  Vision.  It is God’s given ability.  You can’t transform anyone into a RB.  You are born to be one.

Alex Khvatov:  Before the ball is snapped, what are the tendencies that you are looking for from the defense?

D.J. Knox:  Rotation of the coverage.  I see how the defense is lined up.  I look at the safeties and the DL front.  I try to recognize where the blitz is coming from.  I try to make sure that I know the pre-snap weakness of the defense and how we can manipulate it.

Alex Khvatov:  What players on your team should we keep an eye on for next season?

D.J. Knox:  Young CB Kenneth Major.  LB Markus Bailey has been a great player for us.  WR Rondale Moore is one of the guys who will continue to be a great player.  Keep an eye on RB Tario Fuller.

Alex Khvatov:  Who is the toughest player that you have faced on an opposing team?

D.J. Knox:  This year, it was the Michigan State safety Khari Willis.  He was one of the hard-nosed guys.  It was difficult to beat him.

Alex Khvatov:  What do you enjoy most about football?

D.J. Knox:  Camaraderie with your teammates.  Maybe I am just an adrenaline junkie.  I played a lot of sports during my life.  I am very competitive.

Alex Khvatov:  What makes you unique?

D.J. Knox:  I am a people’s person.  I enjoy having fun.  I like talking to people.

Alex Khvatov:  What are your hobbies?

D.J. Knox:  I like to dance, sing, hang out with friends and play video games.

Alex Khvatov:  What do you want to do with your life after your football career is over?

D.J. Knox:  Coaching at the collegiate level.

Alex Khvatov:  What five words best describe you?

D.J. Knox:  Optimistic, energetic, jovial, trustworthy and driven.