February 2, 2022
By: Dwayne Page
DCHS Tiger Football Star Isaac Knowles, a senior, signed a letter of intent with Tennessee Tech University Wednesday to play for the Golden Eagles starting this fall.
Knowles was joined at the signing by members of his family, coaches, and fellow athletes and friends.
“Isaac helped our program accomplish a lot while he played here in all three phases of the game,” said Tiger Coach Steve Trapp. “This past year he was just a really special player for us with all the ways we used him, so Tennessee Tech is getting a really versatile and high character guy and I appreciate the trust they have in DeKalb County in that this is the third year in a row they have taken one of our guys and we are grateful for that. We appreciate all that Isaac has done for us and for what his family has meant to us. Tennessee Tech is getting a really good guy,” added Coach Trapp
A standout on offense as a receiver, runner, and quarterback; on defense; and on special teams, Knowles was a key factor in the Tigers success in 2021 as the team completed a 7-5 season and advanced to the second round of the state playoffs before losing to Upperman at Baxter in November.
Knowles was just named Most Valuable Player of the 2021 DCHS Tiger Football Team during the annual Awards Banquet held on January 22.
During his four-year career at DCHS, Knowles started and played in 47 football games, the most ever by any Tiger in school history.
Knowles’ statistics for the 2021 season are as follows:
*Rushing: 104 carries, 882 yards, 15 Touchdowns- 8.5 yards per carry
*Receiving: 72 receptions, 1030 yards, 6 TD – 15.2 yards per catch, 103 yards per game
*Passing: 7 of 13, 155 yards, 2 TD, 0 Interceptions
Knowles scored 23 total touchdowns and on four two-point conversions, and led the team with 146 total points scored, which is an average of 12.2 points per game.
*Defense: 47 solo tackles, 42 assists, three special teams tackles, three tackles for loss, seven interceptions, five forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, one blocked punt/field goal, one defensive touchdown.
*Special Teams: He had 30 kick/punt returns for 644 yards and one touchdown, an average of 21.4 yards per return.
*All-Purpose Yards: 2,556.
Knowles was named the Region 4-4A Offensive Player of the Year, named to the Tennessee Football Coaches’ Association’s All-State Team, and selected to play in the East-West All-Star Classic at Austin Peay.