NEWPORT BEACH, CA. – Northern Illinois cornerback Amariyun Knighten is the Lott IMPACT® Trophy Player of the Week for week 2 of the 2024 college football season. Knighten made a key interception in the 4th quarter that led to the game winning field goal for NIU to defeat #5 Notre Dame 16-14. Knighten added three solo tackles in the game as well.
The Huskies victory in South Bend was the Huskies first ever against a top 10 opponent, and NIU is now ranked 25 in the latest AP Poll.
Knighten is a redshirt sophomore from Hollywood, FL who finished last season as a starter in the final 4 games for the Huskies, including the Camellia Bowl.
The Lott IMPACT® Trophy player of the week is determined by a panel of Lott Trophy board members, former players and coaches, as well as members of the media.
The Lott IMPACT® Trophy is awarded annually to individuals who demonstrate excellence in the field of athletics and recognizes college football’s Defensive Player of the Year who best exemplifies the IMPACT acronym: Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community and Tenacity.
The mission of The Pacific Club IMPACT® Foundation is to recognize and support both national and local charities that serve the youth of America with a focus on education and have a positive IMPACT® on the lives of young men and women.
Other nominees for the Lott IMPACT® Trophy Player of the Week in Week 2:
Will Brooks, Tennessee, S, Sr. – Returned an interception 85 yards for a touchdown, along with a pass breakup and a tackle in the Volunteers 51-10 win at #24 NC State.
Nick Martin, Oklahoma St, Sr. – Recorded 4.5 tackles for a loss among 16 total with three QB hurries in the Cowboys 39-31 double overtime win over Arkansas.
Andrew Mukuba, Texas, S, Sr. – Had an interception and broke up a pass to go with four tackles, 3 solo, in the Longhorns 31-12 win at #10 Michigan.