While the Notre Dame football team is all business getting ready for the Sugar Bowl, there is one Fighting Irish player who is taking things a bit more personally.
For Anthonie Knapp, a freshman offensive lineman for the Blue and Gold, his decision to leave Georgia, the state he grew up in, has been a recurring topic of conversation as he prepares to face the SEC powerhouse. Georgia’s absence in his recruiting journey, despite his roots and connections to the program, adds an extra layer of motivation.
“It’s kind of funny because Coach Freeman was like, ‘It’s personal this week,’” Knapp told the collected Notre Dame football press during media day.. “I’m like, ‘It’s always personal, Coach.’
Notre Dame football offensive lineman taking things personally
Knapp’s ties to Georgia run deep, with his longtime offensive line coach, Vincent Vance, having played for the Bulldogs under current offensive line coach Stacy Searels. Despite these connections, Georgia didn’t prioritize Knapp in their recruiting efforts, a slight that stuck with him.
“I remember Coach Searels walking into my head coach’s office at Roswell High School. We talked, but they never bit on me,” Knapp recalled. “That was always my dream school growing up, so I just kind of have a little chip on my shoulder. I don’t know if it was a size issue or what, but I’m excited to play them now.”
Although Georgia made a late attempt to gauge Knapp’s interest, inviting him to a camp, he was already fully committed to Notre Dame.
“I didn’t really want to go to a camp for a non-guaranteed offer,” Knapp explained. “Notre Dame was my school. As soon as I committed, that was it. I wouldn’t switch. I don’t believe in committing and then uncommitting.”
Knapp’s family and community supported his decision to head north, despite its challenges. With roots in colder climates, Knapp was undeterred by South Bend’s weather and saw the Notre Dame football team’s offensive line tradition as an unparalleled opportunity.
“They all supported me,” he said. “I wanted to be coached by the best and be around the best. I wouldn’t change a thing.”
Now he gets to help his team beat his dream school on New Year’s Eve night.