BOULDER — The old saying “things work out for the best” holds a special meaning for Colorado sophomore wideout Scotty McKnight. Likewise for CU receivers coach Eric Kiesau.
“I’ll never hear the end of it from Scotty,” Kiesau said following a recent practice in preparation for Thursday night’s home game against No. 25 West Virginia. “And I’m happy about that. I’m happy it turned out the way it has.”
In 2005, McKnight sent a video of his high school highlights to the University of California coaching staff. Mc- Knight caught 161 passes in three seasons at Tesoro High School in Orange County (Calif.) but was drawing scant interest from Division I-A recruiters.
Kiesau was coaching the Cal receivers.
“Scotty and I joke about it all the time,” Kiesau said. “I don’t remember his tape. I’m not sure he believes me, but I don’t think I ever got it. We get a lot of tapes.”
McKnight did get one good look. Dan Hawkins wanted him to come to Boise State and offered him a scholarship. But before signing day arrived, Hawkins had packed his bags for Boulder. McKnight decided to switch to Colorado. Hawkins still wanted him, but at CU it would have to be as a walk-on. At least initially, McKnight would be without a scholarship.
“I didn’t take that as an insult,” McKnight recalled. “I took it as, Coach Hawk saw some potential in me and said, ‘Hey, you can come up here and earn your way.’ I’ve been raised that way from my parents.”
After redshirting in the fall of 2006, McKnight caught everything in sight the following spring, including the eyes of the coaches. He did not disappoint. In 2007, McKnight became the first freshman wide receiver in Colorado history to lead the Buffaloes in receptions (43).
McKnight was put on scholarship in January. As a freshman, he led the Buffs in receptions six times. And he is 2-for-2 this season.
At 5-feet-11 and 190 pounds, Mc- Knight isn’t particularly big for a receiver. And although he has been clocked as fast as 4.5 for 40 yards, he probably would not beat many cornerbacks in a foot race.
McKnight won’t make the acrobatic catch or jump over a defender. But he knows how to get open. He finds openings in a defense. He lives in the creases.
“I’ve been saying ever since I started coaching wideouts: It doesn’t matter if you’re 6-4, 215 pounds and run a 4.3,” Kiesau said. “I’ve coached guys like that. The guys who are productive, the guys who can change the face of the game, are guys that are smart and understand how to create separation so they can be at the right spot every time.”
Playing the slot (inside) position, McKnight is the quintessential possession receiver, although perhaps a bit more athletic than some. He’s the guy everybody can count on. Tough. Sure-handed. And sure to find a seam and a way.
“It’s a knack because you work at it,” Hawkins said. “It’s a knack because you think about it. You watch film and kind of see what’s going to develop.
“Does he have a certain feel for it? Yeah, he does. But he’s a hard-working guy that pays attention to the details. He’s prepared when he comes to the game.”
McKnight has worked for several years with former Colorado receiver John Minardi (79 catches from 1998-2001), who operates Minardi Sports Training in Orange County. Minardi helped McKnight with weight training, speed work and pass routes. Minardi also helped sell Mc Knight on CU.
“Scotty is a lot of fun to work with because he picks up things so quickly,” Minardi said in a phone conversation. “I showed him how to do an angle off a defender and then how to weave. He tried it once, and then did a double weave.”
From the inside, Z-receiver position (“flanker” in old- school lingo), Mc Knight can thread between safeties and linebackers, almost hiding amid the ruckus before he breaks into the clear.
McKnight seems to have a pitch-and-catch chemistry with quarterback Cody Hawkins. They’re the same age, same class. And on the same page.
“I think a lot of (the chemistry) comes from Cody and I both being guys that really love playing the game,” McKnight said. “We understand what defenses are doing and hone in on what our offense is trying to accomplish. We are never satisfied until we do things right.”
Said Cody: “Scotty sees things like I do.”
Tom Kensler: 303-954-1280 or tkensler@denverpost.com
