It doesn’t appear Adam McKnight will see playing time anywhere else but behind center during his sophomore season this year.
“Only quarterback,” McKnight said of where he has played during Nixa’s 7-on-7 sessions at the Bobby Allison Sports Town in June and at Ozark last week.
McKnight made his Eagles debut at wide receiver and tight end as a freshman a year ago. Given his size, strength and exceptional athleticism that he has already exhibited as a three-sport standout, there was some off-season speculation coach John Perry would utilize McKnight’s many talents as a slash sort.
Perry mentioned last November Maddox Gibson as a candidate for Nixa’s quarterback job, hinting McKnight could be used elsewhere.
During 7-on-7 action at Ozark, McKnight handled nearly all snaps with Nixa’s first-team offense. He seems firmly in place as a starter on the Eagles’ depth chart.
McKnight was particularly impressive against Ozark, Joplin and Neosho on deep passes. On the occasions in which an Eagles wide receiver gained separation from an opposing defensive back, McKnight hit them with a spiral.
McKnight likely will draw comparisons to Nixa 2023 grad Connor Knatcal for his strong arm. Knatcal holds most of the Eagles’ passing records, including throwing for 46 career touchdowns.
“Deep and mid-range,” McKnight said of the throws he’s currently most comfortable with. “I’ve put in a lot of work on my short game this summer. It's getting better. We've been competing well and slinging it well.”
McKnight will team with speedy wideouts Wyatt Vincent, Baran Johnson and Keivon Flint while converting sideline routes into long touchdowns.
“I feel confident that if I throw it out there Wyatt and Keivon will run underneath it and Baran does a good job, too,” McKnight said. “We've got a good receiving corps.”
McKnight’s time as a tight end and wideout last season was his first venture away from quarterback. He values the experience.
“I got to know the guys pretty well,” he said of Nixa’s receivers. “You can connect with your receivers a little more, knowing you've been there, too.”
McKnight also played quarterback for the Eagles’ undefeated freshman team last fall. He prefers having the ball in his hands each play.
“I like being a leader on the team, controlling the offense and scoring touchdowns,” he said.
