SOUTHWEST KANSAS STORM
Opportunity Knox, Jalen Answers
Jalen Knox was one of the most impactful members of the secondary for the Southwest Kansas Storm in 2026, but did you know he did not play a single snap on defense for over four seasons of college? The man who had a hat trick of interceptions in 2026's season opener was actually a college wide receiver who played for Mizzou and Ole Miss for five seasons. Not only did Jalen Knox play offense, but he played it at a high level with over 70 catches, 1,000 yards, and 4 touchdowns.
Before we get into how an accomplished receiver ended up at defensive back after 5 years of his college career playing on offense, let's look at his high school and college career.
Highly Touted out of High School
Jalen Knox left high school regarded as a four-star recruit in the state of Texas. He was ranked nationally as the 28th overall prospect in the 2018 recruiting class. Knox in high school was named 14-5A District Newcomer of the Year as a sophomore, and First-Team All-District as a Junior. At Mansfield High, he was utilized in the run game, the passing game, and on special teams.
His athletic ability was elite even at this point, as he was clocked running a 4.51 40-yard dash as a High School Senior. Heading into college, he had the size, speed, and experience to play running back or wide receiver. He saw offers from Baylor, Mizzou, Colorado State, Duke, Illinois, Iowa State, Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oregon State, Tulane, Utah, and Wisconsin. To put it lightly, the man had options.
Mizzou Lands Knox Amidst Sea of Interest
Ultimately, Knox chose to take his talents to Mizzou, citing the belief the coaches had in him as his deciding factor. Former NFL Tight End A.J. Ofodile had taken over as the wide receivers coach after previously serving as the Director of Recruiting Operations. Meanwhile, former wide receivers coach Andy Hill took over as the Special Teams Coordinator.
As a true freshman, Knox saw the field early and often, catching passes from future second-round pick Drew Lock. Ultimately tallying 30 offensive touches for 430 yards and 3 touchdowns. Over the next two seasons for the University of Missouri, he would add 62 touches 707 yards, and 2 touchdowns. This is while he was practicing against three future NFL draft picks in the secondary. While at Mizzou, he also ran track, competing in sprints.
In 2022, he would move on to Ole Miss, where he would catch passes from Jaxson Dart and Luke Altmeyer, two more future NFL QB's. He also played alongside future NFL wideouts such as Jonathan Mingo, Jordan Watkins, Dayton Wade, Tre Harris, and Malik Heath. Ultimately, an injury caused a setback that prevented Knox from fully realizing his potential at wideout, but it also led to his shift to defense.
Ole Miss would remove Isheem Young from their roster, and shortly after, Knox was asked to play free safety. Knox says he had always played multiple positions growing up, and if it meant more playing time, he was open to it. Clearly Ole Miss knew Knox was too valuable to leave him on the bench any longer.
Opportunity Knocks, Jalen Answers
So how did Jalen Knox go from catching passes from his own quarterback to intercepting opposing quarterbacks? It was a mixture of an abundance of depth at wide receiver and a lack of depth in the secondary midway through 2023. Knox was looked at as an underutilized athlete on offense, and a high-upside prospect on defense. At 6'0, 205 pounds, with elite ball skills, the logic was sound: Knox had the athleticism, talent, and intelligence to pick up and play any skill position on a football field.
Ultimately, he showed the seeds of promise at the new position. Despite being a career wide receiver up to this point, Knox actually graded out fairly well in tackling and run defense. The one area he didn't grade favorably at was coverage, and he was credited with just six snaps in coverage through two games, not exactly a large sample size to truly judge his ability at the time. Knox would play just 20 defensive snaps.
There are very few people on this planet that can step onto the field against SEC receivers and grade well in their first 6 snaps ever playing defense in-game at the college level. Knox was told by at least one scout at the next level that if he had spent his entire college career at defensive back, he would likely have been selected via the NFL Draft. .
Knox has now gone on to get more film at defensive back and proven that he has all the talent and potential needed to lock down some of those receivers he once "struggled" against in his first collegiate defensive snaps. As we saw in Week 1 last season, Knox is one of the rare athletes who can be an above-average player based strictly on athletic ability alone, and once his understanding of the nuances of the position catches up, there are no limits to Knox's potential.
Knox's first opportunity to play defense professionally came with the St. Joseph Goats, a 7v7 team based in Missouri that previously played in Kansas City. The Goats are led by Head Coach Dorsey Golston, a former Division 1 defensive back for the University of Wyoming who went on to become an All-IFL selection in 2008.
In his second season of professional football, he was coached by Pat Callahan, who has been coaching defense longer than most of his players have been alive, and Jason Scheck, who won Assistant Coach of the Year in 2025. If you are going to change positions and need a crash course on how to play defensive back, this was one of the better paths to take.
Now Knox comes into year 3 playing defensive back, and year 2 with the same scheme and staff. We could be in for a breakout year for Knox, assuming he stays healthy. Knox, to his credit, played well in season two at defensive back; to think there could be another level to his game in 2027 should be scary for opposing offensive coordinators.
Value in Versatility
Jalen Knox will likely see at least some snaps on offense and special teams to find ways to get the ball in his hands. His background as a receiver, runner, and return man makes him incredibly valuable no matter where he lines up. Some people were just born to be athletes, and Jalen Knox is one of those people blessed with elite-level athletic ability, as well as the intelligence and motivation to absorb all of the information necessary to perform wherever he is asked to line up.
Secondary Taking Shape
With Kyle Meyers re-signed, Knox returning, as well as new faces like Ty Marsh, Lakedrick Holmes, and hybrid linebacker/defensive back Johnny Davis, the secondary has no lack of talent or experience already, granted the work is not done yet as the team anticipates signing at least one or two more defensive backs for the 2027 season.
So far on paper, it looks like it will be tough to throw the ball against the Storm this season. With Kyle Meyers stepping back into his free safety position, newcomer Ty Marsh lining up next to Meyers at safety, Knox and Holmes on the outside at corner, as well as Johnny Davis factoring in for multiple positions, this has the makings of another title-contending defense.
Coaches Show
In case you missed the announcement, the Southwest Kansas Storm has re-launched the coaches show. Called Sound the Sirens, and hosted by Kansas resident Cody Bryant. You can catch the show on Facebook live on Thursday nights, or catch the replay on YouTube.
Learn more about the show here in our article detailing the show, it's format and more. Also check out our most recent episode with Jalen Knox, and while you are there subscribe to the Southwest Kansas Storm channel to stay up to date on all the latest episodes.