Rested Knight ready to run

Zonovan Knight wasn't in pads for practice Tuesday, an indication that NC State's leading rusher might be dealing with some kind of physical issue.

Not to worry, the true freshman said.

It was only a precautionary measure designed to help him rest up and be at full strength for Saturday's road game against ACC Atlantic rival Boston College.

"It was a plan, just trying to keep me healthy," Knight said. "I got a little banged up after the game (Thursday). They're trying to get me ready for Saturday."

Knight, who goes by the nickname "Bam," has rushed for 354 yards and three touchdowns on 69 carries while averaging 5.1 yards per attempt.

Along with fellow freshman Jordan Houston, his presence in the backfield has become even more important to the Wolfpack's ground attack since the third member of the team's running back trio -- Ricky Person Jr. -- went down with a foot injury two games ago against Florida State.

Person's absence, however, hasn't changed Knight's approach to his role.

"I try to think that I'm just as important as when (Person) was here," he said. "But I k know me, Jordan, Will Dabbs and Trent Pennix will all have to step up."

One thing the running back group will have going for it on Saturday is that BC ranks next-to-last in the ACC in rushing defense and has had a penchant for giving up big plays on the ground this season.

While establishing a strong running game will be important in taking some pressure off quarterback Bailey Hockman in his second career start, Knight said that the ground game is only part of the Wolfpack's game plan against the Eagles.

"I trust our quarterbacks," he said. "All of them are good quartebacks, so if we don't have something going in the running game, I expect them to make big plays in the passing game."

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