Strengths: Mobility, athleticism, intermediate accuracy & velocity
Areas to improve: can be quick to escape pocket, down the field arm strength
Jacob Knuth is a 6’4”, 205-pound quarterback from Harrisburg, SD. Knuth committed to Minnesota over offers from Iowa, Kansas State, and South Dakota State among others. Jacob finished his junior season with 2,403 passing yards, 28 TDs, and a 64.3% completion percentage as well as 463 rushing yards and 4 rushing TDs.
It’s hard not to notice Knuth’s athleticism and speed right away. Jacob has the ability to pick up chunk yards on the ground and can extend plays with ease due to his mobility. This allows him to make accurate throws on the run, can be used in the run game, and has to be accounted for by the defense at all times. Another thing I do love is that he keeps his eyes downfield when he scrambles which puts defenses in a tough spot.
Knuth runs similar RPO and play action concepts at his high school which should help with a smoother transition to this level. His intermediate accuracy and velocity is tremendous, something that surely will translate to the next level to a Gophers team that loves that area of the field.
Overall, I really like Knuth’s game. With any high schooler that is a good runner, Jacob can tend to rely on his legs to get him out of situations at times and can escape early. I expect even next season him to improve upon that as that is typically a trait that comes with reps and comfort. A Phillip Rivers-type throwing motion limits down the field strength a bit, but it is adequate enough that it is not a glaring weakness and should improve with strength and technique.
Areas to improve: can be quick to escape pocket, down the field arm strength
Jacob Knuth is a 6’4”, 205-pound quarterback from Harrisburg, SD. Knuth committed to Minnesota over offers from Iowa, Kansas State, and South Dakota State among others. Jacob finished his junior season with 2,403 passing yards, 28 TDs, and a 64.3% completion percentage as well as 463 rushing yards and 4 rushing TDs.
It’s hard not to notice Knuth’s athleticism and speed right away. Jacob has the ability to pick up chunk yards on the ground and can extend plays with ease due to his mobility. This allows him to make accurate throws on the run, can be used in the run game, and has to be accounted for by the defense at all times. Another thing I do love is that he keeps his eyes downfield when he scrambles which puts defenses in a tough spot.
Knuth runs similar RPO and play action concepts at his high school which should help with a smoother transition to this level. His intermediate accuracy and velocity is tremendous, something that surely will translate to the next level to a Gophers team that loves that area of the field.
Overall, I really like Knuth’s game. With any high schooler that is a good runner, Jacob can tend to rely on his legs to get him out of situations at times and can escape early. I expect even next season him to improve upon that as that is typically a trait that comes with reps and comfort. A Phillip Rivers-type throwing motion limits down the field strength a bit, but it is adequate enough that it is not a glaring weakness and should improve with strength and technique.
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