One of the DCHS football standouts won’t be going too far away after graduation. Isaac Knowles has signed a letter of intent to play for the Golden Eagles of Tennessee Tech University next season. A signing ceremony was held at DCHS last Wednesday, where he was joined by friends, coaches, and family.
“Isaac has played more football games than anyone in DeKalb football history,” said Tiger head football Coach Steve Trapp. “He holds a lot of career records. He leads the career interception record. He’s well over 300 tackles, 47 games played, and the most playoff games played. He’s part of a senior group that’s had the most playoff victories. There’s been so much that he’s been able to help this program accomplish.”
“He’s played all three phases of the game for us, and this past year he was just a really special player for us with all the ways we used him,” Coach Trapp continued. “So, Tennessee Tech is getting a really versatile guy and a high character guy, and I appreciate the trust they have in DeKalb County. It’s the third year in a row they have taken one of our guys. We are just really grateful and appreciative not only for what he has done for us, but also what his family means to us. Tech is getting a really good guy.”
Knowles said Tech has him listed at wide receiver for the team, and that he plans to study agronomy and soils while in college.
“This is a special moment for me, and a special moment for my coaches and my family,” Knowles said. “I’ve created a lot of bonds here (DCHS) over the past four years.”
When asked what his favorite moment was while playing for the Tigers, Knowles said a homecoming game stands out. “One of my craziest moments was when I threw a touchdown pass to John Ellis against Cannon County at Homecoming. Special moments like that are what make me love the game of football.”
When asked why he had chosen to go to Tennessee Tech, Knowles said it was the people that he liked. “It’s more than just the facilities, Coach Alexander and his amazing coaching staff, are all wonderful people and they made me feel like I was at home.”
Knowles was named the Tigers’ MVP last season, playing offense and defense, and even taking over quarterback duties for a time during the season. He had 72 receptions for 1,030 yards and six touchdowns in 2021, as well as having 104 rushes for 882 yards and 15 touchdowns. Knowles also recorded 30 returns for 644 yards and one touchdown, and even had 13 passing attempts with seven completions for 155 yards and two touchdowns.
Defensively, Knowles had 47 tackles and 42 assists, with seven interceptions and one touchdown.
Knowles also made school history, playing in 47 football games, the most ever by any Tiger, and has played eight playoff games for DeKalb, also a record. He has also had three first round playoff victories, another record, while also recording a record four playoff wins with the Tigers. Knowles is also second in school history for 26 wins with the team.
Knowles was named as 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.
During his four years with DCHS, Knowles had a total of 154 receptions for 2,308 yards in 47 games, had 80 returns for 1,388 yards and two touchdowns, and 109 rushes for 893 yards and 15 touchdowns.
Over his high school career, Knowles has been named four time All Region 1st Team (2018, 2019, 2020, 2021), two time 4A All State (2020 and 2021), two time 4A All Region Most Outstanding Defensive Back (2019 and 2020), 2021 All Region Offensive MVP, 2018 Team Voted Defensive Player of the Year, 2019 and 2020 Team Voted Defensive Back of the Year, FirstBank Player of the Week (November 2020), 2021 DTC Player of the Year, 2021 DTC All Star Team, 2021 TACA All Star Game Participant, 2021 Blue Gray Game Selection, and 2021 Team Captain.
