Ladarrius Knighten attended Rosa Fort High School in Tunica for three years, but when the COVID pandemic caused the Lions to cancel their 2020 season, he needed a place to play.
Knighten transferred to Tunica Academy for his senior year and it paid off. The middle linebacker and fullback signed to play football for Holmes Community College in Goodman next season. He will play the middle linebacker position with the Bulldogs.
“I chose that one because I felt like it was the place for me,” said Knighten of his decision to play for Holmes. “Mostly I liked the coaches. They checked on me daily to make sure I was good.”
Knighten said playing for the Blue Devils helped keep him in football shape.
“I switched because they canceled our football season,” Knighten said. “I felt like I had to go somewhere to play football my last year.”
Knighten said Holmes Community College offered him a spot on next year’s team while he was still at Rosa Fort High School, but playing for Tunica Academy helped secure his spot.
“It made them want me even more,” Knighten said.
Knighten has enjoyed his time at Tunica Academy.
“It’s been good to me so far,” Knighten said. “It’s a lot of love they’ve shown me.”
Blue Devils offensive coordinator Chris Smith praised Knighten’s performance on the field and work ethic.
“He’s a great kid,” Smith said. “He does anything you ask him. He’s a heck of an athlete.”
Tunica Academy finished 2020 with a 2-8 record, but that did not stop Knighten from excelling.
“He was a very bright spot for us,” Smith said.
“I think he’ll be a great linebacker at the next level.”
Knighten showed his versatility on the field.
“He pretty much played every play, every down,” Smith said.
Looking back on the 2020 season, Knighten said his best game was in a loss at Carroll Academy.
“I had lots of tackles,” said Knighten, adding he had at least 10 tackles.
Knighten plans to do something involving sports for a living. After his time at Holmes Community College, Knighten hopes to play for a four-year school. He said Mississippi State is a possibility.
Football is the only sport Knighten plays in high school.
“I’ve been playing since I was peewee, 4 or 5 years old,” he said.
Knighten used to be an offensive lineman, but he made the switch middle linebacker in middle school.
“I got a lot bigger, taller and stronger,” said Knighten, who is 6 feet, 1 inch, 235 pounds. “I felt like that was the position for me. That was the position coach moved me to.”
He has enjoyed playing football every step of the way.
“I just love everything about football,” Knighten said. “I love the hits. I love the contact. I love the work you put in. I love everything about it.”
