NFL Genes Helping 4-Star Corner Draw Major Interest from SEC, Pac-12 Powers

NEW ORLEANS — Mississippi 4-star cornerback Nigel Knott has more than 20 offers coast to coast. Last week's showing at the New Orleans regional supported why he's in high demand.

As someone who measured in at 5'11" and 171 pounds at The Opening New Orleans, Knott posted testing numbers that made him look like arguably the most college-ready of the 400-plus athletes in attendance.

His 40-yard dash? A respectable 4.51 seconds. His 20-yard shuttle? An even more admirable 4.09 seconds.

His kneeling power-ball toss? One of the best out of all defensive backs of the New Orleans event at 36 feet. And then there's his vertical jump of 44.7 inches, which not only was the best of the entire New Orleans event, but also the best recorded Nike combine jump of the year nationwide.

Knott finished the event with a combine rating of 125.49, the second-best mark among all athletes nationally thus far. And with his efforts during the actual regional competition, Knott left New Orleans as the combine ratings MVP and the defensive backs MVP, as well as with an invitation to The Opening nationals this summer in Oregon.

"It felt great, because I've been working for about two-and-a-half years trying to get to The Opening," Knott said. "After seeing it on TV, I said I didn't want to miss out on the opportunity. I felt [New Orleans] would be my only opportunity, because it'll be hard to travel anywhere else.

"I just knew I had to give my all. After the camp, I felt there were things I could have done better, but when I heard the numbers being called on my certificate, I was excited."

Knott's coverage skills, makeup speed and ability to break up passes is a prime reason why Mississippi State, Ole Miss, Oregon and a host of other schools are interested in his services. The nation's No. 7 cornerback, according to 247Sports' Composite Rankings, said those three schools, plus UCLA, USC, Alabama, LSU, Tennessee, Florida State and Texas A&M, are potential landing spots in his wide-open recruiting process.

The success on the field and in combines is impressive. It's also genetics. His father, David Knott, spent time in the NFL, CFL and Arena leagues after excelling as a defensive back at Ole Miss. His mother, Sabrina Givens, played basketball and ran track in high school.

Older brother Chris Givens is preparing for his fourth season as a wide receiver for the St. Louis Rams. Givens played at Wake Forest, as did another older brother, running back Nick Knott. Nigel also has an older sister, Deja Givens, who is a high-jumper at Mississippi State.

Knott said in addition to genetics, his success stems from being highly competitive. Beating his brothers and sisters in random competitions were more of a goal as he got older. He hated losing to them.

"I always wanted to go against them just because they were older than me," Knott said. "When I lost, my dad would always say to wait my turn, but I wasn't trying to hear it. I just started working harder. I knew I didn't want to lose to them—at anything."

Knott's competitive nature transferred over to the football field against players his own age. And as those in New Orleans saw, Knott's a playmaker in the secondary. He has great technique and is willing to accept criticism in an effort to get better.

Knott said he uses the advice of his father and brothers to get better. He also uses their tutelage in keeping the recruiting process as simple as possible. Knott has made taking unofficial visits a priority in his process.

So far, he has made trips to Mississippi State, Ole Miss, Alabama, LSU, Tennessee, North Carolina, North Carolina State, Duke, Clemson and Southern Mississippi. He's made junior-day appearances at Alabama, LSU and Tennessee this year.

Picking a college is something he takes seriously. It helps to have so many family members to rely on.

"They'd tell me to do what I feel is most comfortable for me for the next four years," Knott said. "Once I make that decision, I need to make sure that education is a factor, and make sure I go somewhere where I can play early.

"They also said that every coach will see something different, and you can always get better. There will always be people around you getting better. You just have to take on all responsibilities as a student-athlete."

Knott said he doesn't have a timetable for a decision, but he is considering making an announcement at the Under Armour All-America Game in January in Florida. He said that will happen only if he feels the need to wait to completely weigh all of his options.

Mississippi State was his first offer while attending a one-day camp last summer. Knott said he's planning on attending Oregon, Alabama and LSU for summer camps. A fourth camp appearance is to be determined but could include Texas A&M, USC, UCLA or a school in the ACC, he said.

Damon Sayles is a National Recruiting Analyst for Bleacher Report. All quotes were obtained firsthand. All player ratings are courtesy of 247Sports' composite ratings. Follow Damon via Twitter: @DamonSayles