Terrance Knighton details how he uses his NFL experience while on the recruiting trail

After spending the last couple seasons on Matt Rhule’s staff with the Carolina Panthers, Terrance Knighton now joins him as the defensive line coach at Nebraska. It’s his second college coaching job, and he has a unique tool in his belt when it comes to recruiting.

Knighton is a former third-round NFL Draft pick who played in the league from 2009-16. That NFL experience comes in handy out on the recruiting trail, especially since he played with some big names during his career. Recruits ask him about it, and he has no issue talking about his time in the league.

After all, that’s every young football player’s dream.

“I think it’s something that is important to talk about,” Knighton said. “All the kids have [aspirations] of playing in the NFL. Being the guy who’s played in the NFL and played on really good teams and played with a lot of Hall of Famers, they always ask about those experiences. I have no problem using that as recruiting bait or just as regular conversation. Football has given me and my family everything that we have.

“For a lot of the kids I recruit, football is their way out. It shows that I’m also relatable and have been in their situation. It’s an easy conversation … because I understand them, that I’ve been in their shoes. I always tell them, ‘Never mind the gray hairs. That’s just from a lot of recruiting and coaching.’ But I can relate to those guys. I’m only 36 years old. I’m not that far removed.”

Matt Rhule evaluates areas where roster reinforcement is needed at Nebraska

Now settled in at Nebraska, new coach Matt Rhule has had a chance to survey the inventory and evaluate where his program needs help and roster reinforcement via recruiting or the NCAA transfer portal.

He’s not entirely locked in on those evaluations, as he’s still yet to see the players he has actually go through practices in pads, but he’s got an idea.

“I’m very hesitant to talk about positions we have spaces to fill,” Rhule said. “Sometimes I hear people talk. I think we all have to be very careful about, ‘Well, they’re really bad at this position,’ because these kids are still 18-22. They’re not NFL players, so they’re developing. I can’t comment on positions yet because I haven’t coached them.”