When the Plant City Raiders football team needed someone to step up against Bloomingdale last Friday, running back Zamir’ Knighten delivered. Knighten, a sophomore, finished the game with a career-high 132 rushing yards on 21 touches and scored his first high school touchdown against the Bulls.
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You broke out last week with a pretty solid game. How were you feeling when you went out there?
I was feeling confident. We put in hard work all week. Teammates working hard, pushing me to be better.
The running game has been coming around over the past few weeks. What have you guys been doing to improve?
Competing in practice. Running backs working hard and o-line’s opening holes for us.
What do you and Eric (Wilson) bring to the table for the Raiders?
I’m the speed, he’s got the power. So I come in and change the pace.
Do you play any other sports?
Track. I run the 100 and 200.
How long have you been playing football?
Since I was 5.
Which team did you start with?
(Turkey Creek) Trojans.
What first got you into football?
My dad. It’s like a family sport, you know. Once you turn 5, you’ve got to put on them pads.
What made you fall in love with the sport?
Just the grind and all the hard work that comes with it.
What’s your proudest moment on a football field?
It was probably my first high school touchdown last week.
How did you feel when you got it?
I was making sure there were no flags before I started celebrating. After that I went and celebrated with my teammates.
Did you think you were going to score when the ball was snapped?
Oh yeah. Once I knew I got past the second level I knew I was gone.
What’s a sport you’ve never played but always wanted to try?
Swimming.
What advice would you give to a newcomer on the team?
You’ve got to work hard, come out here and compete every day like it’s your last.
You’ve had two coaches in two seasons. What’s the transition been like from coach (Robert) Paxia to coach (James) Booth?
Amazing. Get more opportunities. We compete every day as a team.
What’s the coolest thing you’ve done on a football field?
Scored four times in one game in little league, probably on JV (Trojans). It might have been against East Bay.
What’s your favorite subject in school?
Astronomy.