Team Preview: Charlotte Christian Knights
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As we get closer to the start of the season, we will be taking a look at team previews from across the Charlotte Metro Area. We have a lot of talented players here in the city, and every year there…
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Continue ReadingAs we get closer to the start of the season, we will be taking a look at team previews from across the Charlotte Metro Area. We have a lot of talented players here in the city, and every year there are new faces that will become the star of their teams on Friday Nights. We’ll take a look at them, as well as the overall team prospects for the upcoming year!
The Charlotte Christian Knights have become one of the staples when it comes to not only private school football, but overall championship football in the state of North Carolina. The Knights won four straight state championships from 2017-2020, and Head Coach Jason Estep has eight state championships under his belt since taking over the program in 2007.
They had an uncharacteristic season last year at 5-6, however, a closer look at their schedule tells you a different story. They only had one loss by a double-digit margin (Rabun Gap) and were in every single game they lost otherwise, including a 14-7 loss to 4A state powerhouse Weddington and two losses by a total of five points to the State Champion Providence Day Chargers. I expect this season to be a big-time rebound to what we usually see from the Knights.
There is a ton of talent on this roster, starting with the coach’s son Cam Estep at QB, who has grown up within the program and at 6’0 180 pounds throws with confidence and accuracy from the pocket but can scramble and run well when necessary. Kyron Jones Kyron Jones 6'0" | 185 lbs | RB Charlotte Christian | 2023 State NC “KJ” is a big-time ATH prospect who does a lot at the running back position for the Knights and has offers from all walks of Power 5 Divison 1 schools including Duke, NC State, Iowa State, and Colorado State just to name a few. He is absolutely electric in the open field and has elite vision with the ball in his hands.
Grant Tucker Grant Tucker 6'3" | 195 lbs | ATH Charlotte Christian | 2023 State NC is a 4-star WR who has great size at 6’3 with offers from multiple Power 5 Division 1 schools including Georgia Tech, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Penn State just to name a few. He is joined by 2024 WR Micah Gilbert Micah Gilbert 6'3" | 195 lbs | WR Charlotte Christian | 2024 State NC , who at 6’4 and 200 pounds is heavily recruited as well. He has an excellent ability to high point the football in one on one situations and make great plays after the catch with the ball in his hands. He holds offers from Georgia Tech, BYU, North Carolina, and Michigan among others.
The Knights have strong talent on the defensive side of the football as well, notably with LB Derrick Brown Jr. who had 5 sacks and 11 QB hurries last season. He has excellent size at 6’3 and 225 pounds with recruiting interest from multiple schools and offers from Charlotte and Dartmouth currently. He pairs well with fellow LB Bryce Young Bryce Young 6'5" | 225 lbs | DL Charlotte Christian | 2024 State NC who is the son of NFL Hall of Fame DL Bryant Young. At 6’4 and 215 pounds he has picked up offers from both Norte Dame and Duke this summer, and figures to pick up plenty more as an athletic 2024 prospect.
Other players that are important to note are OL Gavin Major and OL/DL Danny Stevens. Both players play to the echo of the whistle with great technique up front. DL Odera Orizu will garner college interest with his size and athletic ability as well. DB Armonte Ferguson is one of the fastest players in the state, having won a State Championship in track and he can definitely be a threat in the kick return game. Also Ryan Henley as an ATH on offense is someone you have to account for if Jones slides to the slot and he plays Running Back, with over 600 yards on the ground last season.
Looking at their schedule, the game to circle is definitely their matchup with Providence Day on October 14th. The winner of that matchup will have a leg up on winning the conference and earning a top seed in the playoffs. Not to mention, there will be a ton of huge college level talent on both sides that should draw a lot of college coaches attention from a recruiting perspective.
Overall, Charlotte Christian is a very well-coached and talented team this upcoming season and I expect a lot of fun and good times for the Knights this upcoming season.