UM’s Knowles shakes off critics
Safety Knowles stepped forward when ’Canes needed him to do so
CORAL GABLES — From having to play for three head coaches to facing constant criticism from Miami Hurricanes fans on social media, redshirt senior safety Robert Knowles has stuck through it all.
It paid off for him in Miami’s 28-25 loss at North Carolina in the ACC opener on Saturday night, when he replaced Amari Carter, who was ejected in the first quarter for targeting. Knowles played his most snaps as a Hurricane — and helped stabilize the secondary after several early breakdowns in coverage.
“I think he calmed the secondary down when he went in there because obviously we were a little rattled in the first quarter,” UM coach Manny Diaz said.
Said defensive coordinator Blake Baker: “Hats off to Rob Knowles. He came in and I don’t think we skipped a beat back there. [Losing Carter] hurt from a depth perspective for sure, but a lot of credit goes to Rob Knowles and being prepared just like a starter.”
Knowles said he remained focused despite the criticism.
“I just stay in my playbook, ignore the noise and stay focused,” said Knowles, who
“I just stay in my playbook, ignore the noise and stay focused.” —Robert Knowles, UM safety
graduated with a degree in liberal arts last fall. “I don’t feed into no social media or none of that. I’m just focused on myself, focused on the team and help our team win any way I can.”
Originally, an Al Golden recruit, Knowles has played for three head coaches — four if you include interim Larry Scott, who took over for Golden after he was fired in 2015. Knowles, who also played for Mark Richt, is playing his fifth season.
The fan criticism and coaching turnover would be enough to make most players want to transfer, especially in today’s college football with so many players on the move.
“I ain’t really no quitter,” Knowles said. “I love Miami and I never wanted to leave. I had ups and downs, but that’s like every player, so I just stuck around and I stayed focused. I didn’t let none of the outside noise mess me up mentally.”
A Miami native and Edison High grad, Knowles has a deep appreciation for the history and tradition of the Hurricanes.
“I enjoy the greats,” said Knowles, pointing to the names of legendary UM players that hang from the ceiling of the Carol Soffer Indoor Practice
Facility.
“They come in, they talk to us about how they were back in the days. Greentree [Practice Fields], how hard and rough it is. Basically, it’s so hard, you don’t want to quit because of how hard it’s been. You’ve got to have the heart and the passion to love it, and once you get out there, you’ve got to do it.”
On Saturday, Knowles tied a career high with five tackles and helped the secondary hold UNC’s passing attack in check from the second quarter until the Tar Heels’ final drive.
“He’s always been an A-plus in terms of tackling and just getting to the football, getting it on the ground,” Diaz said. “Because those safety tackles, you take them for granted, but if he misses it, it’s going to be a problem. … I’m very happy to see Rob getting more of a role and having more success.”
Knowles said the biggest difference has been his mental approach.
“Last year, I wasn’t really focused like I was supposed to be,” he said. “I would try to do too much instead of doing my job. Now, I’m more focused on doing what I’ve got to do, learning other people’s positions, too. So whatever coverage we’re in, I know what I’ve got to do and where I’ve got to be.”