Q and A with Football's Easton Knott and Austin Morman
By Chris Mitchell
Sports Information Director
Washington University in St. Louis
SENIOR EASTON KNOTT
Looking back on your career, what is your favorite football memory at Washington University?
My favorite memory so far has to be the Wabash game last year. Coming out and fighting the way we did against such a good team was something really special, and to get the win in such dramatic fashion was even sweeter. Although, I do hope that after this season, I can replace that memory with some more special moments from this year.
What does it mean to you to be a student-athlete at Washington University?
To me, it really is an honor to be a student-athlete here at WashU. With so many sports playing at such a high level while still handling such an intense course load, it really is a very respected group to be associated with. At the same time, because there are all of these athletes going through the same challenges you are, it creates a real family among all the sports. We are all each other’s biggest fans, and that support means a lot.
What are your future plans upon graduation from Washington University?
Right now, I’m pretty up in the air about my post-graduation plans. I will most likely be taking a year off to gather myself and plan for the future, and then will go on to law school. However, there’s always an outside chance that I will eventually end up trying to take my dad’s job as a sportscaster.
Do you have any superstitions or pre-game rituals?
I have always been superstitious, but I don’t really have any set rituals. It always kind of depends on what worked the week before. If I ate something or listened to a certain song and had a big game, I’ll try and copy that until that luck runs out. I do have a Degeneration X wrestling shirt that I have worn under my pads for every game since my junior year of high school. Although it’s pretty beat up and torn by now, it means a lot to me and I never step on to the field without it.
Talk about growing up in a football family.
To be honest, football was never a big deal in my family until late in high school. I played baseball when I was younger and didn’t start playing football until I was a sophomore in high school. But once I did, it became apparent how much it meant to my family. My dad and two of my uncles played in college, so they have been my biggest fans throughout my career. On the other hand, they have always reminded me how much “tougher” they were back in their day, so that has always given me a little extra inspiration to show them I belong. My Uncle Tyrone has been a college and NFL coach for a number of years now, so it’s been great having him around to give me little tips and hints on how to get better and separate myself from my peers.
Who is your mentor and what is the most impactful thing they have taught you?
My biggest mentor has always been my dad. A tireless work ethic and respect for all people are two things his father gave him that he has tried to instill in me my whole life and I think that I’m finally beginning to grasp what it all means. I thank him for giving me the drive and determination to become what I am today, both on and off the field, and being my biggest supporter no matter what decisions I have made. He’s the best man I know, and hopefully one day I’ll be just like him, except a better dresser.
SENIOR AUSTIN MORMAN
Looking back on your career, what is your favorite football memory at Washington University?
I have some very memorable football moments here during my four years. The one that sticks out the most was our game against Carnegie Mellon last year. That game went into overtime and we ended up scoring a touchdown on our second play in overtime. Then our defense ended the game by intercepting Carnegie’s pass. I have never been more excited after a football game. We rushed the field and I was out of breath for the next 20 minutes from cheering so much. That game definitely makes me smile every time I think about it.
Talk about being selected as a team captain. What does that role mean to you?
Being selected as team captain is a great honor. Everyone on the team votes for the captains and it means a lot to me that the team thought I should be one of their leaders. It has already been a great experience and I look forward to what else the season has in store for us as a team.
As a punter, how much time a week do you spend on punting? And do you have to practice tackling?
Every day at the beginning of practice we have about a 20-minute period where we focus on special teams. This is where I get most of my work in during the week. Then throughout practice we have other shorter periods about 5-10 minutes that focus on certain special teams such as kickoffs, field goals, or punts depending on the day. There is really no time where I work specifically on tackling.
What does it mean to you to be a student-athlete at Washington University?
The first word that comes to mind is time management. Football is a large time commitment and WashU is no slouch on giving out homework. Finding a balance is always tough but it is worth it. I get to compete against some of the best football teams in the country and also get to compete against some of the smartest people in the country.
Do you have any superstitions or pre-game rituals?
Yes I do. When we play at home I don’t lock my locker. Don’t ask me why it is just something that happens.
What are your future plans upon graduation from Washington University?
I am hoping to get a job within the aerospace industry as a systems engineer. I had an internship with Hamilton Sundstrand this summer where I worked on a new Gulfstream business jet and it was cool to see what goes into building an airplane. Plus airplanes are just plain cool.