Chat Transcript
CBS SportsLine.com
August 10, 2001

Last year Knight set a Big East record with 26 tackles for losses. (Pittsburgh Sports Info.)

Defensive lineman Bryan Knight chatted about playing for the University of Pittsburgh.

Knight, a senior, is looking to have a year like he did in 2000. Last year he set a Big East record with 26 tackles for losses and ranked second in the country in tackles for loss with an average of 2.36 per game. He led the team with 11.5 sacks and his 1.05 sacks per game ranked ninth nationally. He was selected first team All-Big East.

Last year the Panthers finished 7-5 (4-3 Big East) and played in the Insight.com bowl.

This year Knight has been ranked by Lindy's Magazine as a second team preseason All-American and as the No.4 defensive end in the country.

Bryan Knight: Hello! I'm Bryan Knight. I am looking forward to the upcoming season. We expect big things from our program this year and look forward to making it possible.

Question: How competitive is the caliber of competition you face in the Big East compared to the other major conferences in the country?

Bryan Knight: I think the Big East can be underrated at times. I think for the most part the Big East has the bigger names we will play this year. Everyone is tough though. You can't underestimate any opponent.

Question: Bryan, do you think not having the Pitt/PSU rivalry hurts the program at all?

Bryan Knight: I don't think it hurts. I think it means a little less motivation towards the schedule. As long as we come out and play hard. When you think about it the top two we play is Miami and VT. They are better teams then Penn State. But the rivalry will be missed.

Question: Bryan, obviously you're the leader on the D-fense this year, what will you do to make sure the team doesn't look past the first 3 home games to Miami to ensure that we don't take them lightly?

Bryan Knight: I definitely think I have to lead by example in practices and games. We all know that we aren't going to sleep through those. They are coming in to beat us. We talked about it over the summer about how we can't sleep on them. I don't think we will.

Question: Where do you see yourself next year in terms as NFL draft position?

Bryan Knight: I have NO idea. I have to leave that up to the Lord. It depends on my playing this season. My goal is to keep the playing and NFL in perspective with the other things in life. I have already graduated and now am pursuing my Masters in communication.

Question: Bryan, do you feel any more pressure as a senior because of the NFL being right around the corner now?

Bryan Knight: Yes and no. I feel more pressure from myself since this is the last year of college football. But I intend on not focusing on the NFL and going out and playing my best and having fun. Everything else will fall in place.

Question: How difficult has it been juggling both athletics and academics?

Bryan Knight: That has been one of the most difficult things I have ever done in my life! Right now I am in grad school, trying to get my Masters. Sometimes I have to stay in class and miss practice or travel and miss a class. But I always have to make up the work in either. My coaches and professors have been kind. I have been blessed to do this so far.

Question: Bryan, what do you think of Steve Pederson's idea to deface the Panther fight song?

Bryan Knight: I'm sure you know he plans on leaving out the part where the students shout Penn State sucks for the next four years so that we will stop saying it. It can't work, as I learned it from my father as a child. People have their own minds. I am not worried about it. Fans will say it anyway! I kind of like it when they do it, actually. he is doing it because of the position he is in. But the fans are wild and they will do it anyway. They're human beings.

Question: Should we be expecting any big changes from last years season?

Bryan Knight: You will see the same work ethic. There will be the same level of intensity, win or lose. After the game you will say Pitt gave it all they had. But you will see more wins. That is the team's objective: to win more than the previous year.

Question: Describe how it feels being considered one of the top defensive lineman in college football today?

Bryan Knight: It is a great feeling! I still feel like a big kid! Not like one of those great players across the country. I still feel like the Mama's Boy I am, at home watching the TV and all. It feels good but unreal at the same time. I try not to focus on the accolades I read. My teammates make me who I am. If it weren't for them I couldn't make the plays I do. I have to thank them.

Question: Who was your biggest football influence, growing up?

Bryan Knight: Probably Deion Sanders and Bruce Smith. Bruce because he was absolutely HUGE when I saw him at a Bills game and I never thought a person could be that big. And Deion because he made the game fun.

Bryan Knight: Thank you all for your time. I look forward to the season and the fans going crazy. I love football and want to have fun! I do take the fans feelings into consideration. Thank you for your time and God Bless.