As a four-star football recruit, junior receiver
Erriyon Knighton of
Hillsborough (Tampa, Fla.) put up some pretty impressive numbers last season. All pale in comparison to what the 17-year-old did Sunday at the U.S. Olympic track and field trials in Oregon.
Knighton finished third in the men's 200-meter final, becoming the youngest American male to make the team since 1964. The day before he broke Usain Bolt's under-20 record in the event at 19.88 seconds and on Sunday broke it again with a 19.84.
Last season on the gridiron at Hillsborough, Knighton had 25 catches for 484 yards (19.4 average) and four touchdowns. When the Terriers handed him the ball, he was even more explosive, averaging 25.1 yards per eight carries (201 total yards) and four more scores.
The 6-foot-3, 170-pounder was regarded as the No. 49 wide receiver prospect in the Class of 2022 according to 247Sports. Florida, Florida State, Tennessee, Illinois, Iowa State and Toledo all extended offers.
Knighton, set to become the youngest American male to compete for the track and field team since 17-year-old Jim Ryun in 1964, likely won't be taking his talents on the football field to the college level as he's already turned professional in track and field.
Erriyon Knighton was dangerous with the ball in his hands last fall at Hillsborough.
Photo by Erick Truong
