A high-school football player’s odds of making it into the NFL are less than one percent – lower than the chances of being struck by lightning. Strong Rock Christian School alumnus Demetrius Knight, Jr. (Class of 2019) has beaten those odds. In April 2025, the Cincinnati Bengals drafted the linebacker from Henry County in the second round. Knight, 25, gives God the glory. “Without Him, me or my family wouldn’t even be in this position,” said Knight. “That’s the foundation.”

Knight was a four-year starting quarterback and two-time team captain at Strong Rock in Locust Grove. Tobias Jacobi, Head Strength Conditioning Coach at SRCS, started working with Knight when he was in eighth grade. He said even at that young age, he stood out. “The wheels were always spinning in his head. He was always analyzing things,” Jacobi recalled.  “He’d ask, ‘Coach, can I come in on the weekends and train?’  He wanted something more.”

Knight played four seasons (2019–22) at Georgia Tech, then joined the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in 2023 before transferring to the University of South Carolina in 2024. While in Charlotte, he and his wife, Jensy—also a Strong Rock graduate—worked as DoorDash drivers to help support their young family.

“It’s all part of His (God’s) plan,” Knight said. “The good and the bad happen for a reason, and it’s all to build us up and shape us into who we’re meant to be.”

Jay Sanders, a Bible teacher at SRCS who led Knight in Bible study for several years, attended his draft party in April. Sanders said Knight’s faith has always been central.  “It’s evident in the way he’s living his life. He’s showing Godly character even with high success.”

Knight credits his alma mater for keeping him spiritually grounded. “Strong Rock Christian School really helped me keep my faith in check, making sure I don’t let it get shaken when I’m out in the world…. It’s the model I’m passing down to my family: ‘blessed to be a blessing’. That’s what we live by every day. We’re blessed so that we can bless others.”

While making the NFL is a dream come true, Knight said this is just the beginning.  “For me, it’s about staying consistent, continuing to grow, and getting just 1% better at something every single day.” His message to young athletes is simple:  dream big, but keep God first. “Without Him, life can be rough. But with Him, all things are possible, and there’s nothing you can’t do.”

By Josie Evans