Eric Knies – Playing for the team

Every team needs a guy like Eric Knies Jr. As a sophomore, the Forest Lake junior moved into a spot he was unfamiliar with. This season, Knies did it again – moving to a new position for the benefit – not of himself – but for the team's benefit. "Last year (sophomore year), I played on the other side of the ball," Knies said. "This year, I transitioned to the tight end and receiver spot. We weren't very successful (with wins and losses), but we were close, and even though we didn't win many games, it was a successful season." Position-wise, the same thing happened to Knies before last season. "When I played outside linebacker as a sophomore, we didn't really have someone to play that spot, so I thought I would step up and play the position. This year, we didn't have anyone to play the Y spot. I played some seven on seven, so I thought I would transition to that spot well." The offseason made Knies confident he could play his new position. "I feel I have the quickness to play receiver – I was used to press coverage from seven on seven," the Rangers' junior explained. "The hardest part was catching the ball, but after the first game, I got used to it." He would play either tight end or slot receiver, depending on the opponent. "My strengths at wide receiver are blocking and aggressiveness. At tight end, blocking and getting off the line and into a route are my strengths." At this stage, the 90th ranked junior in Minnesota is a much better blocker than pass-catcher. He does a great job of getting his body and hips turned when blocking. He uses his feet well to square up and stays with blockers in the open field, but he is strong enough to hold his own against most defensive ends and linebackers. A relentless blocker, Knies stays on his blocks until the whistle. Knies' transition to the other side of the ball was made easier because of his time on defense. "From the other side of the ball, I would remember my pre-snap reads and would try to find blind spots where the outside linebackers weren't looking. In run blocking, I would make sure to set my feet and attack the linebacker instead of waiting for them to come to me." Knies is a two-sport athlete, but football training will start soon enough. "Once hockey ends, I am going to play seven on seven again," Knies – who enjoys spending time on the river and rock climbing - said. "I am probably going to play both ways next year. I am going to focus on getting off the line and making quick movements. As a tackler, I am going to focus on running through the tackle and not just hitting and stopping." "I play goalie on the JV team," Knies continued. "My strengths are my strength and athleticism that transfers over from football." This spring, his attention will be all on football. "I ran track last year, but this year I think I am going to focus on seven on seven this spring and summer. I am going to be focused on speed, power, and explosive lifts." As far as a football future, the 5'11" 205-pound junior is just starting to get notices by college programs. "I have been invited to Minnesota State-Mankato's junior day." With his ability to play multiple positions and his willingness to sacrifice for the team, Knies will continue to be an asset to the Rangers' football program and wherever he ends up in a couple of years.