South Carolina Linebacker Demetrius Knight Making Waves in Cincinnati, Earning First-Team Reps With Bengals During Offseason Workouts

Demetrius Knight has always played with something to prove, and now, the former South Carolina linebacker is making the most of his latest opportunity with the Cincinnati Bengals. After going undrafted in the 2025 NFL Draft, Knight signed with Cincinnati as a free agent and is already drawing attention by earning valuable first-team reps during the team’s offseason training activities (OTAs).

Knight’s journey to the NFL wasn’t a straight line. He began his college career at Georgia Tech, where he spent four seasons before transferring to South Carolina in 2023. While his stats weren’t eye-popping during his time with the Gamecocks, Knight’s blend of size, athleticism, and football IQ made him a versatile chess piece on defense. That versatility is now paying off in Cincinnati, where the coaching staff has quickly taken notice of his physicality, motor, and football instincts.

Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing just over 230 pounds, Knight has the frame NFL teams covet in modern linebackers. He’s quick enough to cover backs and tight ends in space, while being strong enough to step up against the run. During the Bengals’ OTA practices, Knight was seen taking first-team reps alongside returning starter Germaine Pratt, a sign that the coaching staff is at least seriously evaluating him for a key rotational role — if not a starting job — as the summer rolls on.

What has impressed the Bengals’ defensive staff most is Knight’s command of the defense despite being a newcomer. He has shown the ability to quickly process offensive formations and make instinctive reads — an essential trait for linebackers in Lou Anarumo’s scheme. Bengals linebackers coach James Bettcher noted that Knight’s ability to “play fast and play smart” has set him apart early in the process. According to team insiders, Knight has been one of the most consistently energetic players in practice, vocal in team huddles and engaged in every rep.

While OTAs are just one piece of the offseason puzzle, they often provide a sneak peek into the potential depth chart battles coming in training camp. The Bengals are known for giving undrafted players a fair shot to make the roster — something Knight and his camp were well aware of when choosing to sign with Cincinnati. With linebacker depth a known concern after the departures of Akeem Davis-Gaither and Markus Bailey in free agency, Knight walked into a situation tailor-made for someone of his profile to earn a real shot.

Knight’s performance is especially impressive when considering the relatively short amount of time he spent in South Carolina’s defensive system. After arriving in Columbia, he quickly adapted to Clayton White’s defense and began contributing almost immediately. Knight appeared in all 12 games for the Gamecocks in 2023, finishing with 47 total tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, and several quarterback pressures. His blend of versatility and sideline-to-sideline range allowed South Carolina to deploy him in a variety of roles, from traditional inside linebacker duties to occasional edge-rushing snaps on passing downs.

Though his final college season didn’t launch him into early-round draft status, it laid the groundwork for a professional opportunity — especially for evaluators who value football character as much as raw athletic metrics. Cincinnati’s scouting department reportedly flagged Knight as a “high-upside football player with room to grow” during the pre-draft process. With solid athletic testing numbers and an NFL-ready build, it was only a matter of time before Knight got his shot.

Knight’s early emergence with the Bengals has also garnered attention from teammates. Veteran linebacker Logan Wilson praised the rookie’s attention to detail and eagerness to learn, saying, “You can tell he wants to be great. He’s asking questions, he’s staying late, he’s treating this like it’s the only shot he’ll get.” That mentality mirrors the one that helped Wilson carve out his own NFL path and makes Knight an intriguing player to watch heading into the preseason.

For Knight, making the 53-man roster won’t be easy — no NFL roster spot ever is — but the odds look better than they did just a few weeks ago. The Bengals have maintained a relatively stable core at linebacker in recent years, but with some turnover this offseason, there’s a real opening for a player like Knight to not only stick but contribute. Special teams will also be key; Knight has already been seen working with multiple coverage units, where his speed and physicality could help him make an immediate impact.

Bengals head coach Zac Taylor hasn’t gone out of his way to single out rookies in OTAs — typically choosing to emphasize team effort and development — but he made an exception when asked about Knight’s performance. “He’s been impressive,” Taylor said. “He’s shown a lot of maturity and preparation for a young guy. He’s earned every rep he’s getting, and we’re excited to see how he develops when the pads come on.”

Knight’s development arc could mirror that of several other undrafted Bengals in recent years who turned heads in offseason work and carved out roles. One recent example is linebacker Joe Bachie, who made the roster as a UDFA and became a reliable depth piece and special teams contributor. The Bengals’ staff is known for identifying talent others overlook and finding creative ways to use it, especially on defense.

Knight’s rise also speaks to the evolving role of linebackers in today’s NFL. As more offenses shift toward spread concepts and faster tempo, linebackers must be more versatile than ever. Knight’s combination of speed, size, and agility gives him the ability to survive — and even thrive — in that environment. And if he can continue to build trust with the coaching staff during training camp, it’s not far-fetched to see him making key plays on Sundays this fall.

Though the preseason games will ultimately serve as the proving ground, OTAs are the first real litmus test of who’s mentally and physically prepared to contribute. For Knight, it’s clear that the Bengals are already viewing him as more than just a camp body. He has the chance to play meaningful snaps, and if he keeps progressing, even more could be on the horizon.

Back in Columbia, Knight’s early success in the NFL hasn’t gone unnoticed. South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer spoke glowingly about the former Gamecock during a recent media session. “Demetrius is a worker. He’s one of those guys you root for because he does everything the right way. It doesn’t surprise me at all that he’s making noise already,” Beamer said.

That support from his alma mater is just another reminder of Knight’s growth over the years. He didn’t always take the most conventional path, but at every stop — Georgia Tech, South Carolina, and now Cincinnati — he’s left an impression.

The coming weeks will determine just how big a role Knight can carve out with the Bengals. Training camp will bring pads, full-contact drills, and more complex installations — all of which will test his physical readiness and mental command. But if the early returns are any indication, Demetrius Knight is ready for the challenge.

In an NFL landscape where opportunity is everything, Knight has taken the first step toward seizing his. For now, he’s not just participating in OTAs — he’s making them count. From undrafted to earning first-team reps, Knight is a name to watch in Cincinnati. And if he continues on this trajectory, the Bengals might have uncovered yet another gem from the ranks of the overlooked.