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Dispatch

4/6/06

ARENA FOOTBALL | DESTROYERS

Receiver’s release a head-scratcher

Soul cut Knight loose after big game, but he’s over that

Thursday, April 06, 2006

Bill Rabinowitz
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

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On March 5, the Philadelphia Soul’s Marcus Knight caught nine passes for 131 yards in a game against Las Vegas.
Five days later, the Soul put Knight, its leading receiver, on waivers. Confused? So was Knight, whom the Columbus Destroyers signed a week later.
"It definitely caught me off guard," Knight said yesterday as the Destroyers began preparations for Sunday’s game against the Orlando Predators.
A Soul official said there was nothing behind the scenes that caused Knight’s departure other than a desire to change the on-field dynamics of a struggling team. The harsh truth is that roster volatility is a fact of life in the Arena Football League. Players have to keep their head on the proverbial swivel off the field as well as on it, lest they be blindsided.
"I find myself thinking about it every so often especially when it’s alone time, just wondering where it all made a sour turn and how it could have been avoided so it won’t happen again in another organization," Knight said.
Destroyers coach Doug Kay said the decision to sign Knight was a no-brainer. Knight has slowly worked his way into the lineup. In last week’s loss at Dallas, Knight caught three passes for 36 yards.
In addition to learning a new offense, Knight has been asked to play defensive back for the first time since high school.
"I’ve got to get better on defense in order to contribute on offense," Knight said. "That’s just the way it is."
Kay said he has kidded Knight whether he regrets signing with a team that has asked him to play defense.
"He just giggles," Kay said. "I can’t ask any more from a person than Marcus has given. He’s come in with a great attitude and a great work ethic. Every day he takes a step toward getting on the field more. I feel bad about it because we’ve got a good football player that we’re trying to find a niche for."
Defense isn’t the only adjustment Knight has had to make since joining Columbus. Knight played for Michigan, an inconvenient alma mater in these parts.
"That’s probably been the most difficult thing about being here in Columbus, just seeing all the OSU fans here and the things they have to say about Michigan," Knight said with a smile. "But it’d be the same (for former Ohio State players) if there was an AFL team in Ann Arbor."
After leaving Michigan, Knight played three seasons in the NFL. In 2002, he played for Oakland in the Super Bowl. He has not given up his dream to return to the NFL. Not even his abrupt departure from Philadelphia has shaken that resolve.
"It shows what you’ve got inside," Knight said. "It takes a strong heart, a strong will. I can’t say it doesn’t bother you because you think, ‘I’m doing the best I possibly can. I like where I’m at and don’t want to leave.’
"But life is not always easy. This is a roller coaster season for me. I’m here for Columbus now. Hopefully, we can go out and finish the season on a high note."
Brown honored

Destroyers defensive specialist Jerald Brown was named AFL defensive player of the month for March. He intercepted four passes, broke up four passes and had 20 tackles to help Columbus win three of four games.
"He’s playing the most difficult position on the football field and playing it as well as anybody’s playing it," Kay said. brabinowitz@dispatch.com