School: Central Cambria

Age: 17

Grade: Senior

Sport: Football

Athlete of the week achievement: Knopp rushed for three second-half touchdowns that helped Central Cambria overcome a 19-0 deficit and defeat Johnstown, 27-19. He rushed for 135 yards and forced two fumbles.

Season update: Knopp has 135 yards rushing and three touchdowns on 18 carries.

Coach Shane McGregor’s quote: “Nick is a great all-around athlete and a great competitor. He had a run early in second half that was Marshawn Lynch, Beast-mode like where he put the team on his back and wouldn’t get tackled. We scored on the next play. He put the team on his back, had a strip sack to seal the game, and scored three touchdowns, not to mention the first play of the game got called back, that would have been a 70-yard touchdown run.”

Favorite teacher: Mr. Wagner

Favorite subject: Math

Favorite movie: “The Pursuit of Happyness”

Favorite food: Chicken parmesan

Favorite music: Country

Outside interests: Playing basketball and baseball and spending time with friends and family

Favorite professional team: Pittsburgh Steelers

Favorite college team: Penn State

Pro athlete most admired: Sean Taylor

Best athlete I ever competed against: Richland’s Caleb Burke

Most influential person on my athletic career: My parents (Matthew and Shannon)

Proudest athletic achievement: Winning defensive MVP sophomore year

How I got my start in football: “My dad signed me up when I was a kid and I’ve been playing ever since.”

Future goal: Help turn the Central Cambria football program around and have a winning record

COMMENTS