Ricky Person Jr. and Zonovan Knight Lead the Way as Wolfpack Rolls in Season Opener

RALEIGH NC – It was a memorable Thursday night for RB’s Ricky Person Jr. and Zonovan Knight of the NC State Wolfpack as the Pack roared past the USF Bulls in the 2021 season opener by a score of 45-0. The shutout for the Pack marked the first in a season opener since 2004 when they defeated Richmond 42-0. It was an ideal way for the Pack to begin the season at Carter-Finley Stadium in front of 52,633 screaming fans who patiently waited for over a year to get back into the stands. 

Coming into the contest, it was clear that the Pack would establish the run due to an underwhelming run defense of the Bulls. Both Person Jr. and Knight took advantage of the weaknesses and carried the offense on their backs both going for over 100 yards each and 235 combined. 

After Person Jr. compiled 779 total yards and 4 touchdowns a year ago, the fourth-year RB nearly matched his scoring total in the first half scoring all 3 Pack touchdowns. In addition, Person Jr. showcased his dual-threat ability. He was impressive in both the run and pass game, as he carried the ball 16 times for 105 yards (6.6 yards per carry) and 2 touchdowns and snagged in 3 grabs for 43 yards for an additional score.

“Ricky had a really good game, I thought he ran really hard. He did some good things inside the tackles and outside the tackles and has a nose for the goal line for sure. You know he and Zonovan are each other’s biggest fans and are also competitive” said head coach Dave Doeren post-victory. 

Person Jr. and the Pack offense got off to a quick start firing on all cylinders in their opening drive following a defensive stop. QB Devin Leary went a near-perfect 4 for 5 passing tallying up 62 yards and a touchdown pass. He hit four different Pack receivers along the way, including a beautiful 33-yard score down the USF sideline to Person Jr. He would ultimately follow it up with a pair of 11-yard rushing touchdowns that gave the Pack a 24-0 lead at the half.

On the other hand, Knight started to find his rhythm in the second half and went on to have a huge night, racking up 163 yards on 16 carries (10.2 yards per carry) and a touchdown. Including taking a 46-yard carry to the house around the 9:00 mark in the 3rd quarter. He also added 2 receptions for 16 yards. Knight should remain poised and efficient as he looks to surpass his career-high 788 yards a year ago and could become one of the more talented RB’s in the ACC in 2021.

Look for the dynamic duo of Person Jr. and Knight to continue to be critical assets to the offense’s success. It is always vital to begin the new campaign on a winning note; however, the Pack will face a much tougher test in week 2 as they travel to Mississippi State to battle the Bulldogs next Saturday night.