Jarious McKnight
From the moment Jarious McKnight stepped on the campus of MacArthur High School as a freshman, he had a reputation to uphold.
At that point, it wasn't because of anything he had done. It wasn't his athletic build, nor his ability to catch a football. All of that would play a role later on McKnight made his way up the ranks, but in the fall of 2014, it was all about filling the shoes of his older brother, Gary.
Gary was a star receiver for the Highlanders, accumulating 1,656 yards receiving and 20 touchdowns on 87 catches through his junior and senior years. He was also a Class 5A All-State selection in 2013, his final season.
He is currently the leading receiver as a senior at Northeastern State University, catching 17 passes for 361 yards and two touchdowns through five games.
That is obviously a great deal for McKnight to live up to, especially being 4 inches shorter than his older sibling. However, despite tallying only 20 receptions for 195 yards and one touchdown last season, McKnight entered 2017 with plenty of hype, even being named to the All-VYPE preseason team.
He hasn't disappointed, racking up 450 yards receiving and four touchdowns on 26 catches.
McKnight said he uses his brother's success as motivation.
"He inspired me a lot," McKnight said. "He was a great athlete when he was in high school, so I wanted to basically replace him and be a better athlete. I just try to run hard and do the best I can to get open."
McKnight had a breakout performance last week against El Reno, hauling in seven catches for 270 yards and three touchdowns.
Mac coach Brett Manning said the showing was a pleasure to witness because of the attitude McKnight carries with him every day.
"Jarious us a very hardworking kid and a very quiet kid," Manning said. "He just does his job, and I've always been impressed with his work ethic. I was really excited to see last week's performance. I think he's been right on the verge of something like that for a long time, and I was happy to see him finally break out."
Not only is McKnight quiet, he is also humble and does whatever he can to help the team.
After a big season-opening outing against city rival Eisenhower, where he finished with 107 yards and a touchdown on six catches, McKnight went through what could be considered a slump by some.
Through the next three games, McKnight managed only 13 receptions for 73 yards and no touchdowns.
Although McKnight was frustrated, he showed there was more to being a receiver than just running routes and catching passes, and Manning took notice.
Manning said the Highlander receivers take pride in everything they do on the field, including blocking.
"It's something you probably don't notice unless you watch film, but they do a great job of blocking," Manning said. "I went back and watched a little bit of last week's video, and I noticed Jarious blocking again and really getting after it.
"He's done what he could do, he's keeping a positive attitude and he's worked hard and helped us in ways other than catching the ball."
What keeps McKnight so grounded is his personal life.
When he's not playing his heart out on the football field, he enjoys being around his loved ones more than anything.
"I really like to chill with my friends, play video games at home and spend quality time with my family," McKnight said.
Although McKnight displays modest tendencies, he has no problem flaunting his impeccable video-game skills, especially in Madden when using his favorite team, the Philadelphia Eagles.
"I beat everybody," McKnight said. "I don't lose."
Of course, McKnight's time at Mac is quickly coming to an end, and to no one's surprise, he has plans to add to his football accolades at the next level.
He hasn't decided where he wants to attend, but he has received interest from his brother's school (NSU) and Southern Nazarene. He isn't sure on the specifics yet, but he wants to major in something involving technology.
Regardless of where he ends up, one thing is certain -- he will be missed at Mac.
"We've had eight-straight years with a McKnight," Manning said. "It's going to be weird to not have one out here with us."