McKnight proves he's no ordinary Joe

Written by Rene Nadeau | Wednesday, 05 August 2009 16:34 | College Football News

Joe McKnight flashed his exceptional athletic skills at an early age, splitting time between football, basketball and track. Admittedly, he was a big fan of Michael Jordan and fancied himself as a star player on the hardwood until reality set in. He knew that there would be limitations as a 6-foot-tall basketball player.

Joe played beyond his years and seemed to be the center of attention whenever and wherever he engaged in an athletic event. He recalled one such encounter while at John Curtis.

"It was a Saturday morning practice," Joe recalled. "I was going into the 7th grade. We were going against the junior varsity (a Patriots team made up of 9th and 10th graders). I took a dump pass and zig-zagged 78 yards." He put it into high gear and exploded past some onlookers on the sideline, one being LSU coach Nick Saban.

"As soon as I ran past Coach Saban, (Patriots assistant) Jeff Curtis ran up to him and said, 'He's only in the 7th grade.' (Saban) remembered that." That was in the summer of 2001 when Saban had just arrived in Tigertown a year earlier and was building the LSU Tigers into a national power. He knew who Joe McKnight was.

McKnight helped the John Curtis Patriots to state titles throughout his illustrious prep career, culminating with his garnering Player of the Year honors in the state of Louisiana and his being recognized as the most coveted catch nationally in the 2007 recruiting class.

It came down to LSU, USC, Ole Miss and Alabama as Joe's finalists for college. It was tough decision for the all-star talent, but Southern Cal was the winner.

"It was about what (USC) produces," McKnight said. "Their history of running backs with Marcus Allen, O.J. Simpson, Sam " Bam" Cunningham, Reggie Bush and Mike Garrett. I used to like Marcus Allen alot ( growing up). I wanted to win a Heisman and be the first running back picked (in the NFL draft). SC can get that done." As for the one regret McKnight has about the process, it was timing. "I would have decided sooner."

Joe has been a bit misunderstood throughout his career, particularly since he is somewhat guarded and private. It was tough to leave home to take on the bright lights of Los Angeles.

"I grew a lot from New Orleans. This is what made me the person that I am today," noted McKnight. "When I went to L.A., it took me awhile to open up, to trust people there. I still have my guard up, but I started opening up some, letting people know who I am. I am focusing on my family and football. The media in L.A. is different. They assume what your answer to a question will be. In New Orleans, they listen."

At USC, Joe accounted for 659 yards rushing in 2008 with two touchdowns, missing two games with injuries. He had 143 yards on the ground against Arizona State on only 11 carries. He burned cross-town rival UCLA with 99 yards in a 28-7 Trojan win and had a 55-yard scamper in a 38-3 thrashing of Notre Dame.

Cumulatively, McKnight has 1,199 yards with 5 touchdowns rushing, to go with 44 catches for 396 yards and a pair of scores during his two-year career. His biggest performance thus far came on national TV with the world watching. As a freshman in the 2008 Rose Bowl against Illinois, Joe had 208 all purpose yards and a 64 yard run for a touchdown.

McKnight is staying focused on the things that are important. "I have a son (Jaiden McKnight, 6 months old) which changed me a lot. I am focused on life because football will not be here forever. I don't want (Jaiden) to struggle."

Joe shares a common bond with Charlotte Bobcats point guard and native New Orleanian D.J. Augustin, who has made his mark in the NBA. Both were top rated in their respective sports. McKnight hopes to join his friend in the pro ranks soon.

"D.J. Augustin and I played basketball together since we were 8 years old in AAU. I guarded him. D.J. was the fastest with basketball. I was the fastest on the team," he laughed.

As for the present, the Trojans are blessed with talent; some say too much. "We have 8 or 9 running backs," Joe grinned. "No friendly competition. It's dog-eat-dog. No time to tutor one another. We all bring something different."

Stefon Johnson (5'11-215) is the power back. C.J. Cable (6'0-200) is a good blocker, short yardage runner and 3rd down back. Where does Joe fit in?

"I'm the every-down back," McKnight stated. "Trying to be on the field at all times."

McKnight wants to show pro scouts that he is blessed with a combination of speed, quickness, vision and balance. He appears to be versatile enough to be that every down back, strong enough to run between that tackles. Joe blessed with excellent hands as a receiver. "I need to work on my blocking," he said.

USC will be without last year's starting quarterback, Mark Sanchez, now a rookie with the New York Jets. His role on and off the field will be tough to fill.

"(Sanchez) would crack a joke and get everybody going," Joe said. "I'll miss that smiling face. In the Ohio State game (a 35-3 Trojan win), we were cracking up on one another in the huddle. There were a lot of funny things going on in the USC huddle."

Another major part of the SC success has taken up new residence elsewhere. Former offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian is now the head coach for the Washington Huskies. Former USC and Saints wide out John Morton filled Sarkisian's job while former Denver Bronco assistant Jeremy Bates will serve as the play-caller.

There will be a new QB under center. Currently, sophomore Aaron Corp is scheduled to be the starter, but many expect 2008 National Prep Player of the Year, Matt Barkley, to take over before long. Joe likes them both.

"Corp has the ability to run and stretch the defense, using his feet," explained McKnight. "Barkley can be special. He's smart, has a good arm, and is a bit of a gunslinger. I like his gambling. He puts the ball in tight places. He's the next Heisman winner down the road."

The new signal-callers will have plenty of support. Southern Cal is a close knit group. "We're like family, but each individual has his own identity. We work hard everyday, give 110%. When Saturday comes, we all have fun. We know what we need to help the team. To help each other win. We share a common goal," Joe noted.

Joe missed spring practice while rehabilitating four dislocated toes. He was hoping to catch the coaches attention by showing his skills as a cornerback, increasing his chances to see the field. But USC head coach Pete Carroll nixed the idea, citing Joe's value to the offense and the current players on defense were quite capable. Preseason camp kicks off August 8th.

Carroll has had a great deal of success on the field, but McKnight says there is a side to Carroll that is seldom seen. "Pete Carroll goes to certain L.A. gangs. He's playful. He tries to help by talking to the gangs (part of a program Carroll calls 'A better L.A.'). We have fun with him. The players call him Big Boss Pete because he loves going for it on 4th down. Pete is a defensive guru. We have a good relationship. I showed him that I grew up a lot and trying to make him happy.

Since Pete Carroll has had some success breaking down barriers with L.A. gangs, Joe joked that maybe Carroll could work some magic in his hometown with the crime problem. McKnight went through the recruiting process to the highest degree 3 seasons ago. That experience will serve as a benefit to younger brother, Jonathan, a senior cornerback at John Curtis who has attracted a lot of attention from recruiters. Joe has definite ideas for the younger sibling. " I want Jonathan to go to LSU. He needs to go to LSU. LSU is the best fit. I'll tell him about USC, Arkansas and Alabama. I can give him my opinion."

McKnight sees similarities between his college coach and his legendary high school football mentor, J.T. Curtis. "They both love to work. Both have the same work ethic. They want the best out of you. If you don't do it as best as you can, they'll make you do it again. Curtis set the tone in high school for McKnight and his teammates. J.T. is serious. There is no talking at practice."

Joe appears happy at this time in his life, ready to move onto the next stage, ready for the next big challenge. Is it a pivotal year for the star RB ? " Where I am now is the best place for me. This is not a make it or break it year," he stated. "I'll let my playing on the field dictate what will happen."

Joe's success is fueled by a burning desire to compete, the best that he can. He came home for a few days to sharpen his skills at Sonic Boom with speed and conditioning expert, Wyatt Harris. McKnight wants to work on his durability.

"Joe's top rated, " Wyatt Harris bellowed. "I want to get him in Sonic Boom shape. He needs to stay focused. He needs a great work ethic when the cameras are on, being accountable. We're teaching him to train, to be healthy, in top condition. He's been running with a burst. Now he must have a burst to acceleration to top end. He's got to be a finisher. He's not just a situational back, he can run, block, catch, be the complete back."

The dynamo assured me that he can still negotiate the forty in the 4.3 range. He wants to rush for 1,000 yards and record 1,000 yards receiving this fall, enroute to a BCS Bowl type season, of course. "You need to have goals to find out who you are. I want to return kickoffs. If I ever get the opportunity to return kickoffs, it will be my job for the year. I was on punts (returns), but I messed up."

His attention is focused squarely on having the best season that he can, then everything will take care of itself. "I feel like the Heisman is right there. I've got to make my own hype."

If Joe has the year that he envisions, the NFL may come calling. His experiences have taught him some valuable life lessons.

"I'm not the "X" factor. I don't want to be THE guy that the media is always on. That breeds jealousy. I'm a giving person. If I get to the (NFL) there will be a lot of giving back, knowing that I helped someone. New Orleans is my home. This is where my heart is. This is the first place that I'd help."