Four-Star QB Deuce Knight Fits Tennessee's Offensive Mold

2025 four-star quarterback Deuce Knight fits the Tennessee Volunteers. With 2025 quarterback KJ Lacey off the board, the Vols may begin to push their chips in for Knight.

The Texas Longhorns added 2025 four-star quarterback KJ Lacey to their class on Saturday. Lacey was a longtime Vols' target, though he wasn't the top option on their board. However, his commitment means that another domino has fallen. Tennessee was also recruiting 2025 four-quarterback Cutter Boley before he committed to the in-state Kentucky Wildcats.

Their lone two targets in the 2025 quarterback market are Mississippi native Deuce Knight and Tennessee product George MacIntyre. The Tennessee coaching staff feels comfortable with both. They initially began the cycle favoring MacIntyre as their top option, but he has been trending toward Clemson and Alabama over the past few months. The Vols are still a primary suitor, but as things tightened with MacIntyre, they began turning the heat up on Knight. Deuce Knight has seen his recruitment blow up over the past few months - he put on a show during his sophomore campaign, displaying a dual-threat ability unparalleled in the 2025 cycle.

They aren't alone in his recruitment. Ole Miss, TCU, Notre Dame, and Georgia are Tennessee's competitors. He's planned visits to LSU and Notre Dame during the next week and just finished an unofficial visit to Rocky Top on Saturday. The Vols carry an advantage, though, as they have been consistently recruiting him for around a year. Head coach Josh Heupel, offensive coordinator Joey Halzle, and quarterbacks analyst Mitch Militello have spearheaded his recruitment, and Knight has built a strong relationship with each. The coaches believe Knight can put up numbers in their offensive system. It would take them flipping their offense, as Knight is a left-handed passer. Your best tackle must be the right, your best receiver on the opposite side of the formation, and more. They think Knight is worth that, as his athleticism and arm talent are eye-popping.

Taller quarterbacks generally elongate their motion, leaving their elbow away from their body. This motion makes the football harder to control, meaning quarterbacks can often leave them high or short. Knight stands a full 6-4 but doesn't let his height hinder his mechanics. Knight keeps a tight motion inside and outside the pocket, promptly delivering balls outside the hash marks. His athletic profile is astounding. Knight sports a 4.53-second 40-yard dash and a 41" vertical. He slips through contact and is typically the best athlete on the field. Adding the zone read element to Heupel's offense would keep the backside linebackers at bay, meaning fewer defenders crashing in the run game. Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker was a strong athlete, but Knight brings an entirely different level of electricity to the field.

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