Running back Daniel Knott was Claysburg-Kimmel's go-to player on offense over the second half of the 2007 football season.
Knott rushed for 100 or more yards in four of the Bulldogs' last six games, of which Claysburg won three. He was also one of the Bulldogs' top receivers.
Knott contributed a lot last year, but Claysburg coach Joe Kitt is looking to him to make an even bigger impact this fall.
"He's definitely going to be our best player,'' Kitt said. "We relied on him a lot last year as a junior, and we're looking for him to step up and take an even bigger role for us this year as a senior.''
The 5-foot-8, 160-pound Knott is an outstanding athlete who can run well with the ball, catch it, and anchor the Bulldogs' defense from his linebacking position.
"On offense, we're going to line him up all over the field,'' Kitt said. "He does a great job catching the ball as well as running with it. He's not a big kid, but he's a very tough, hard-nosed, physical kid and a good leader who will play outside linebacker on defense.''
Knott possesses good speed and an ability to read defenses, which plays to his advantage when he's carrying the football for Claysburg.
"I'm not real big, but I'm pretty fast, and my game speed is quicker than my regular speed,'' Knott said. "I have a good eye when reading defenses, and I know where to [run]. Whether catching the ball or running with the ball, I basically do whatever Coach needs me to do.''
Knott is also an outstanding wrestler, having qualified for the PIAA Class AA state wrestling tournament at 140 pounds a year ago.
"I've been wrestling on the varsity since the ninth grade, and I think partcipating in wrestling helps me in football, and participating in football helps me in wrestling,'' Knott said. "I get the mental aspect [of competition] from wrestling, and playing football helps me with my quickness.''
Knott, whose older brother, Brad, is stationed with the United States Army in Korea, is planning on joining the ROTC military program.
"They pay for four years of college in exchange for four years of military service,'' Knott said.
This football season, he's hoping to lead Claysburg to a good campaign.
"Coach is looking to us seniors to take over a leadership role,'' Knott said. "I like to see myself in that role, and I'm hoping we have a good season this year.''
