RIVIERA BEACH – Spotted earlier today (March 23) during the Route Chemist 1-on-1 workouts at Wells Recreational Center was Ricky Knight III.
One is probably asking: Why did the Florida State ‘24 signee and defensive back go there?
To be honest, it was a great time for the future Seminole to get a few footwork drills in – particularly when the likes of Route Chemist founder and Palm Beach Gardens Hall of Famer Frank Brown and pro cornerback Cre’Von LeBlanc are around.
While there was a downtime period – the Route Chemist 1-on-1 workouts lasted for about three hours this afternoon – Knight III agreed to offer up an in-depth interview about his high school football journey at both Cardinal Newman and Benjamin, his Pahokee roots, his excitement for Florida State’s future, and much more.
HIGH SCHOOL JOURNEY
Knight III (6-0, 168 pounds) had a lot of great moments at both Cardinal Newman (senior season) and Benjamin (freshman through junior seasons). His signature highlight was arguably his last major one on the high school level – an end-zone interception for Cardinal Newman during the Class 1M-Region 3 final round at eventual 1M state champion Chaminade-Madonna.
Watch the play for yourself in awe and then some.
Knight III took us back to this interception play, which was a Chaminade pass intended for now-Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, who many have regarded as the nation’s No. 1 overall player in the Class of 2024.
“My team was down a lot; we needed some hype,” Knight III said of Cardinal Newman, which lost 40-0 to Chaminade to end its 2023 season at 9-2. “We needed something to build us up a little bit. So I came in and made a big play before the half. That’s a moment I will always look back on. I feel as though that’s me as a person. I always make plays. I’m never afraid of competition of who I’m going against.”
Kinght III would finish his senior season with 18 tackles, two interceptions, and two pass breakups in eight games played at Cardinal Newman.
“They allowed me to grow as a person,” Knight III said of Cardinal Newman. “The coaching staff helped me to get better. Me performing at my best whatever I’m at, that’s a mentality I try to maintain.”
ROOTED AND GROUNDED
For those who do not this about Knight III, the bloodlines are rich and deep in more ways than one.
How so?
Knight III is related to – in some way – the likes of NFL Hall of Fame candidate and Pahokee legend Anquan Boldin (Florida State alum), Akeem Dent (Florida State alum), and Palm Beach Central ‘25 WR Nedrick Boldin (Boston College verbal commit). They are all from Pahokee (Fla.), an area that has an illustrious football history and is part of what we know as the Muck (Pahokee, Belle Glade, and South Bay).
He spoke of his roots and how it helps him to be the best version of himself.
“We didn’t have a lot growing up,” Knight III said. “But my mom does the best she can for me. She’s a role model. She can overcome anything. She is what inspires me and my family. Just wanted to make a way for people and show that it can be done. There’s no limit to it. No one can tell you that you can’t do it, as long as you put your mind to it and continue to work. If you continue to do that proper things, then God will make a way for you.”
PART OF PALM BEACH COUNTY HISTORY
With that said, Knight III plays a role in what is a Palm Beach County first.
For the first time, five players from one class will be starting out as freshmen at Florida State in the fall of 2024. In addition to Knight III, we have the following ‘24 high school graduates headed for the ACC school in Tallahassee:
•TE Luke Douglas (Jupiter)
•LB Jayden Parrish (Delray Beach Atlantic)
•K Jake Weinberg (Delray Beach American Heritage)
•ATH Amaree Williams (Benjamin)
“I feel like we’re making history right now,” Knight III said. “We all know each other and we’ve all talked to each other. So we’re definitely going to maintain and keep each other’s heads straight. When someone’s down, we’ll be the ones to pick him up. We’re starting to build a connection. I’m ready to see what’s we’re going to do and show Palm Beach we definitely didn’t come for no reason.”
Florida State head coach Mike Norvell was the one who ultimately had a large role in this history-making moment, as he offered all five Palm Beach County ‘24 players at different points.
Knight III raved about Norvell’s ability to build a program the right way and more.
“I feel like Norvell is one of the realest guys there is,” Knight III said. “He keeps it real with you. He keeps it 100. There’s no sugarcoating in his game. He makes sure to let you know what it is. He always makes sure to boost the kids. He wants you to be a better man. He doesn’t just want you to be a great football player. He wants you to be a great person off the field as well…He preaches family. We’re all a tribe. We’re all one.”
PLEASE NOTE: For the entire YouTube interview on Knight II, you can click on the link below.
PHOTO CREDITS: Florida State Football
Muck City Media Enterprises 
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