How Did Terrance Knighton React To Being Signed By The Patriots?

Here is the official transcript from Terrance Knighton’s conference call with reporters: (via Patriots.com)

Q: Why do you think the Patriots scheme and their defensive front will be such a good fit for you?

TK: I pride myself in playing many different styles and obviously the Patriots are known for having a lot of different looks on defense. I’m just going to come in and work as hard as I can and try to get acclimated to this system. I know it’s going to be a lot I have to learn, this being my fourth team, always got to come in and learn the playbook. I’ll just listen to the coaches and ask a lot of questions and that’s what I usually do being the new guy. It’ll be a lot of different things and like I said, I’m just coming in open minded and ready to learn as much as I can.

Q: What have been your impressions of the Patriots defense along the defensive line in your time playing against the team?

TK: Being on the other side of the ball, the other side of the field, just watching them they try to take away your best players and things like that. They just do a good job of playing team ball. I’m going to come in and be like I said, open minded and be a team player and just do my job and do my role and just learn as much as I can from a great coaching staff.

Q: Did you feel your weight was an issue for you last year and do you have a goal weight in mind for this year?

TK: Last year I was obviously heavier than I am right now. I’m in a lot better shape than I was last year. Contractually, I have things, weights that I need to hit. Whatever the coaches want me to play at then that’s what I’ll be at. I’ve worked really hard this offseason and I’ll continue to work throughout the offseason program and get acclimated to the new strength coaches and the nutritionists and the way things are done in Foxboro. I’m looking forward to it and that’s something that obviously it’s been a tag on me my whole career, about my weight, but it’s something that I’ve paid a lot of attention to this offseason. It won’t be a problem.

Q: What was the maximum weight that you played at last year?

TK: I can’t put the number out there just because of contract stuff and things. I just leave that in the hands of the coaches. As a player you just do what you’re told. Like I said, I’m just going to come in and whatever the coaches want me to be at, and see how I’m moving, how I’m playing, they’ll put that number on it. That’s the number I’ll be at.

Q: Was there a reason your weight got to what it did last year that was perhaps out of your control?

TK: Obviously, when it becomes a factor in you playing football, your performance on the field, it’s something that you have to pay attention to. I have a lot of football left and I don’t want anything to hinder me from that. I put last season behind me. I’m happy about being in New England. Like I said, working with a great strength coach and a nutritionist, I had a long talk with him on my visit, looking forward to putting the plan together that they have for me and executing it and having a new start and a refresh on my career.

Next: Knighton Continued