Why Kalen DeBoer, Alabama football took chance on Weber State tight end Peter Knudson
Kalen DeBoer, head coach of the University of Washington football team, and the Alabama football program’s decision to take a chance on Weber State tight end Peter Knudson has raised significant interest in the world of college football. The decision, which represents both a strategic move and a calculated risk, highlights the broader trends in college football recruiting and the evolving dynamics of player evaluation. Knudson, who has made a name for himself in his time at Weber State, may seem like an unconventional choice for powerhouse programs like Alabama and Washington, but his potential, skills, and attributes make him a strong candidate to make an impact at the next level.
Peter Knudson’s journey to this point has been anything but typical, yet it represents the changing landscape of college football recruiting. Traditionally, high-profile programs like Alabama and Washington have focused on recruiting players from the most established high school football programs or those from major college football programs. However, the influx of talent from smaller schools and lesser-known programs has forced big-name schools to reconsider their recruitment strategies. This shift is largely driven by the growth of the transfer portal, where athletes have the opportunity to move between schools, often bringing with them valuable experience and fresh potential.
Weber State, where Knudson previously played, is not typically associated with the elite powerhouses of college football. However, Knudson’s performance at Weber State demonstrated that he had the talent to compete at the highest levels of the game. As a tight end, he was not only a reliable target in the passing game but also a key contributor in blocking schemes, offering a well-rounded skill set that would be valuable to major programs looking to strengthen their rosters. His performance on the field caught the attention of scouts and coaches from larger programs, and it was this recognition of his potential that led Alabama and Washington to take the chance on him.
One of the key reasons Kalen DeBoer and Alabama’s football staff took the chance on Knudson is his versatility and well-rounded skill set. Tight ends in today’s college football are expected to be multifaceted athletes who can contribute both as pass-catchers and blockers. Knudson demonstrated his ability to do both during his time at Weber State, showing that he could create mismatches in the passing game while also providing solid protection for his quarterback in the running game. This dual threat made him an appealing option for programs like Washington and Alabama, who value the ability to have tight ends that can be used in a variety of ways, both to stretch the field and to aid in running the ball.
Another factor that led to DeBoer and Alabama taking a chance on Knudson was his work ethic and ability to develop his game. College football programs are increasingly looking for players who have the physical tools and potential to improve quickly, and Knudson’s progression over his time at Weber State showed that he had a strong commitment to growth. He was able to refine his technique and consistently show up in big moments for his team, making key plays that helped him stand out on the field. For both DeBoer and Alabama’s coaching staff, this kind of player development potential is invaluable, especially when considering the highly competitive nature of college football and the need for continuous improvement in all aspects of the game.
Beyond his physical abilities, Knudson’s mental approach to the game is another reason he was viewed as a strong addition to the Alabama and Washington programs. Tight ends must be able to quickly understand and execute complex offensive schemes, and Knudson showed an aptitude for this during his time at Weber State. His football IQ, paired with his work ethic, made him an attractive prospect for coaches who value smart players who can contribute immediately. DeBoer, in particular, has built his reputation on being able to coach up players with the right mentality and a willingness to learn, and Knudson fits that mold perfectly.
For Alabama, known for its high standards and elite recruiting class, taking a chance on Knudson could be seen as an opportunity to further bolster its depth at the tight end position. The Alabama football program, under Nick Saban, has consistently been one of the top teams in college football, routinely competing for national championships and developing NFL-caliber talent. The decision to bring in a player like Knudson, someone who may not have had the same exposure as other highly-ranked recruits, but who has demonstrated tremendous potential, is a strategic move that could pay off in the long run.
Knudson’s physical attributes were another reason why major programs like Alabama and Washington were eager to take a chance on him. Standing at 6’5” and weighing over 250 pounds, he has the size to make an impact at the tight end position in both the passing and running game. His size and strength allow him to be a formidable presence as a blocker, while his athleticism enables him to get open and create separation from defenders. In today’s college football, a player with this combination of size, strength, and speed is highly sought after, especially for teams looking to improve their offensive capabilities.
Moreover, with Alabama’s strong emphasis on developing players who can contribute right away, Knudson’s addition to the roster offers immediate depth and flexibility. He can potentially come in and make an impact as both a receiver and a blocker, contributing to the team’s offensive scheme without requiring years of development. This kind of immediate contribution is particularly valuable for a team like Alabama, which is always competing at the highest level and needs to maintain a roster full of players who can contribute right away. This is especially true at the tight end position, which has become more integral to offensive schemes in recent years, with coaches like Nick Saban continually adapting to the modern game.
Kalen DeBoer, at Washington, also saw the value in Knudson’s addition to his program. DeBoer has been known for his ability to develop talent and his creative use of offensive players. His system requires players who are versatile and can contribute in multiple areas, which is why a player like Knudson, who can serve as both a key blocker and a receiving threat, would fit in perfectly. His skill set allows him to provide Washington with flexibility in how they deploy him, and DeBoer’s system would help him reach his full potential as a college football player.
The decision to take a chance on Knudson from Weber State is part of a larger trend in college football, where major programs are increasingly willing to scout talent from smaller programs and even the transfer portal to find hidden gems. In the past, smaller programs might have been overlooked by the powerhouses of college football, but with the rise of social media, advanced scouting, and the ever-expanding talent pool, teams are finding players who can compete at the highest level, regardless of their previous school’s size or reputation.
