Eastern Illinois defensive lineman Knowledge Davis began his high school football career in Gary, Ind., before moving to Texas, where he also play junior college ball. (Photo by EIUPanthers.com)
By Barry Bottino
Eastern Illinois defensive end Knowledge Davis is known as a man of few words.
How few?
“I think you got the most words out of him,” EIU defensive line coach Carlif Taylor told Prairie State Pigskin. “It took me three months to get him to speak that much.”
The player that Taylor calls “a silent assassin” may not say much, but his play has people talking.
Davis got his first start of the season last week in a 17-16 loss to Charleston Southern, collecting four tackles and one tackle for loss. He has been splitting time with sixth-year senior Drake Van Hyfte and could be in line for his second start when Eastern (3-5 overall, 2-3 OVC-Big South Football Association) hosts UT Martin (3-5, 3-1) in a 2 p.m. conference game Saturday, Nov. 1 in Charleston.
“I’m just doing my job, preparing all week and practicing like it’s game day,” said Davis, who grew up in Gary, Ind., before moving to the Houston area to live with his father after freshman year of high school. “I think I’m progressing well.”
Davis had six sacks in 2024 at Tyler Junior College in Texas and was confident in his skills as a pass rusher. He is tied with Van Hyfte for a team-high three quarterback hurries to go along with 15 tackles. Davis has also recovered a fumble.
“He’s on every pass rush package,” Taylor said. “He’s a natural.”
At 6-foot-2, 260 pounds, the redshirt sophomore also handles another D-line need.
“I knew I had to work on my run game, and I feel like I’ve done that,” Davis said. “I’d consider that a strength now too.”
According to Taylor, Davis can play either defensive end spot and has also played some tackle in certain packages.
“He’s like a Swiss Army knife,” Taylor said. “In any situation, I trust him.”
This week’s opponent
After starting 0-4, including three losses to FBS teams, Martin has rebounded in a big way, going 3-1 in the past four games and putting itself into the OVC-Big South title race. Last weekend, the Skyhawks handed Gardner-Webb (5-3, 3-1) its first league loss of the season, rolling past the Bulldogs, 37-7. … Defense has been the story in Martin’s three victories. In those games combined, the Skyhawks have allowed only 49 points, 189 total rushing yards and 12-for-35 third-down conversions. Martin has five interceptions in its three wins. “They’re stout (up front). They’re physical. They’re an older team,” EIU head coach Chris Wilkerson said. “You’re going to have to make some plays in the passing game if you’re going to gain any yards or score any points against them.” … Quarterback Jase Bauer, a Sam Houston State transfer, is completing 72% of his passes this season and has thrown six touchdowns and only two interceptions in 193 pass attempts. He leads the team with six rushing TDs. … Junior outside linebacker Keyshawn Johnson leads the conference with 7.5 sacks and 11 tackles for loss. Seven different players have an interception and the Skyhawks have forced six fumbles. … Six different receivers have caught TD passes, including a team-leading three by senior Bryce Bailey (31 catches).
Kickoff: 2 p.m.; TV: ESPN-Plus; Radio: WEIU.net.hitmix
Key matchup to watch
EIU run game vs. UT Martin defense: A good ground game is key for the Panthers against a Martin team that is allowed 63 yards a game in its three OVC-Big South wins thus far. Running back Charles Kellom and quarterback Cole LaCrue, who rank fifth and sixth, respectively, in rushing yards per game in the league, must find some running lanes for Eastern to find success. UT Martin head coach Jason Simpson said LaCrue’s ability to run can be a game changer. “You’re playing 11-on-11 (when the QB runs) instead of 10 on 11,” he said. “You always have to account for the quarterback.”
What’s at stake?
The Panthers have lost three games in a row and now host conference frontrunners UT Martin (3-5, 3-1) and Tennessee Tech (8-0, 5-0) in the next two weeks. A win Saturday could disrupt the playoff push for Martin.
Quick hits
EIU wide receivers Cooper Willman and DeAirious Smith have both surpassed 1,000 career receiving yards. That makes Eastern and North Dakota State the only two FCS teams in the nation with two 1,000-yard receivers whose yards have all come at the same school. Willman needs 264 yards, according to EIU’s website, to break into the top 10 career list. Smith moved into the top 25 all-time at EIU earlier this season. … Redshirt freshman Kwan Johnson, the Panthers’ left tackle, is the only offensive lineman to start every game this season for Eastern. The Panthers have used five different starting lineups up front this season. Nine different players have made starts on the line. … Sophomore cornerback Isaiah Houi leads the conference with nine pass breakups, which is tied for seventh nationally. … Eastern ranks No. 1 in the OVC-Big South in red zone defense, allowing opponents to score on 18 of 24 attempts. … Redshirt junior safety Taylor Goodson took over as EIU’s kick returner last month. He has the highest return average (17.5 yards) among three players who have handled the job this season.
Barry Bottino is a co-founder of Prairie State Pigskin and a 19-year veteran of three Illinois newspapers. He has covered college athletics since 1995.
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