Ohio State’s Demetrius Knox reflects on bowl wins, coaching staff, and more

Demetrius Knox played in 41 games at Ohio State from 2014-2018. The 6’4, 314-pound right guard, started 20 straight games between his junior and senior season before getting injured in a 62-39 win over rival Michigan. He then went on to go undrafted in the 2019 NFL Draft before being signed by the Seattle Seahawks.

Knox, who is originally from Ohio, attended All Saints Episcopal in Fort Worth, Texas during high school. He helped the program go 11-0 in two consecutive seasons and became a 4-star recruit and the 15th ranked player in Texas according to 247 Sports in the process. Knox committed to Ohio State on July 28, 2013.

"“The culture at Ohio State is very strong and as long as coach Day and his staff are there then it will continue,” Knox told me. “I believe that coach Mick and the way he runs the strength and conditioning program is a major part of the success at Ohio State. He instills a toughness in every player, so when it comes time to perform they are ready.”"

In his first two years in Columbus, Knox played in 17 games before going down with a season-ending injury in his sophomore campaign. He was also a part of the 2014 team that defeated Oregon in the national championship game. That team included pros like Cardale Jones, Ezekiel Elliott, Joey Bosa, Michael Thomas, Vonn Bell, and more.

"“Zeke just loves to have fun. He came out to practice everyday just really excited to do his thing and that carried on to the game field,” Knox explained. “The Bosas were born to play football. They train hard and put in the work to perfect their craft. And Mike Thomas was always hungry. He wants to be the best and it showed every day in practice.”"

As a junior, Knox returned and made a difference on special teams in the first six games before moving to the offensive line for the final two months of the year. The Texas-product went on to play arguably the best game of his career in the Cotton Bowl in Arlington, Texas versus USC following the 2017 season.

Ohio State pulled away from the Trojans, taking the win 24-7 behind JT Barrett’s 180 yards and two rushing touchdowns. Knox helped the Buckeyes dominate at the point of attack and Ohio State outrushed USC 165-57 on just one extra carry. The lineman discussed what it felt like playing on the big stage in his home state.

"“The USC game was amazing, getting to play with my brothers on the team near where I grew up and the chance to have family and friends able to come see me play was a huge blessing. It was fun to show what I could do in my hometown,” Knox said. “I’ve been blessed to have amazing coaches along the way.”"

He returned for his senior season looking to cap his career with another national title. Although the Buckeyes fell just short of winning it all, Knox was an integral part of the team’s success en route to defeating Michigan, winning his third Big Ten championship, and taking down Washington in the Rose Bowl.

He was on the field for 959 offensive snaps in 2018 and the team broke school records with 561 passing attempts and 4,831 passing yards. Knox earned Big Ten Third Team honors as a senior and finished his career 4-0 versus Michigan and 5-1 in bowl games, including victories in the Sugar Bowl, Fiesta Bowl, Cotton Bowl, and Rose Bowl.

Following his Ohio State career, he spent just over a year with the Seahawks before being cut on May 28, 2020, in order to sign fellow former Buckeye Carlos Hyde. Knox talked about his future: “My goals moving forward are just continue to improve my craft by making sure I attack the little things every day so I can become an elite player.”

"He also touched on what it felt like when Seattle initially signed him: “I knew that the Seahawks had interests in me from the draft process. They flew me out for a visit and I got a chance to meet the entire staff. I just fell in love with the organization and I knew that if I had it my way I’d want to be part of the team some day.”"

The former All-Big Ten player also updated Scarlet & Game on how he’s been doing recently and what his life has been like during quarantine. Knox has been staying on top of his playbook, working out, and preparing for the upcoming season. “This is a different time that’s for sure,” he said. “I know I’ll be ready when my number is called.”