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December 12, 2017

Gabe Knapton | Farm Boy Heads West

His first official phone call as a member of the BC Lions was a quick one. After all, duty beckoned on the farm. Hulking defensive end and new acquisition Gabriel Knapton had to get back to milking the cows, an important daily chore at Black Angus Cattle Ranch in his offseason home of Platteville, Colorado. That should tell you all you need to know about the work ethic coming to the defensive line in 2018.

“I’ve been working on a farm since high school and I grew up out in the country in Wyoming,” Knapton explained.

“I’m out here on the farm every morning before I go train, so it’s actually like I get two daily sessions in. I just got back from a buffalo hunt in Kansas yesterday when all of this (the trade) was going down. I had no phone service and I started getting all of these calls and texts so I figured I better get back to somewhere where I can use my phone.”

Now that the dust has settled and initial surprise worn off, the farm boy could not be more thrilled about moving out west. Especially after enduring a 3-15 season with the Montreal Alouettes.

“I’m looking forward to putting on that BC uniform and getting after it,” he said.

“This all came pretty quick, but that’s football for you. There is a great bunch of guys on this team, I love the people in the organization I have talked to so far and Wally is a great coach. He is kind of old school, and I love that about him. I think I am going to fit in well. I am excited.”

 

Since taking his new job almost two weeks ago, General Manager Ed Hervey was not shy in assessing the importance of beefing up on the line of scrimmage. Knapton gives him a very intriguing piece to the puzzle.

“We identified our defensive line as one of our primary areas of need heading into next season and Gabriel is a significant acquisition for us. He brings a unique combination of athleticism and leadership to our defence and I know our fans will appreciate the energy he brings to the defensive end position,” the GM said.

“He brings the grit, toughness and intensity that you want. It all adds up to that perfect blue collar mentality.”

Football was always in Knapton’s blood. His father Bob once attended camp with the Washington Redskins and Seattle Seahawks before enjoying a long career in the USFL with both the Denver Gold and Chicago Blitz. His uncle Jeff was a draft pick of the St. Louis Rams.

Following a successful career at the University of Wyoming- where his 368 tackles were the fifth highest in school history at the time he left- Knapton failed to catch the eye of the NFL, and had to settle for short stints in the Arena and Indoor leagues. He then caught the attention of former Alouettes GM Jim Popp. The rest, as they say, is history.

 

In four years season Montreal, Knapton recorded 175 defensive stops and 32 sacks in 68 games. That versatility also makes him an attractive option in the defensive rotation.

Above all, it is about improving a Lions pass rush that lacked consistency for much of 2017.

“I pride myself on my motor, getting to that quarterback at all costs, and I am not going to stop,” Knapton said.

“I bring physicality to the table. That’s kind of my game. I like to be physical and I bring some pretty good speed off the edge. I am going to come to camp ready. This last season in Montreal was a rough one. I am ready to get that taste out of my mouth and just wish the offseason wasn’t this long.”

Another thing that makes this move an appealing one is the chance to play with one of the game’s most elite players: Solomon Elimimian.

“He’s an elite linebacker. He flies around,” Knapton said of the 2014 CFL Most Outstanding Player.

“It’s going to be great playing alongside these guys. I think I am going to fit in well and they’re going to like having me on that defence.”

Any guy who brings his lunch pail to work with him will always be appreciated. The farm and the BC Lions stable is no doubt better off with Knapton in the fold. His second phone call after the trade was consummated was a little longer. But then it was back out to the farm for more chores.

“The farming is a tough job, especially in the offseason when there are no real days off. It helps me to be fit every morning, every day. I like being outside and working with my hands. It keeps me in shape. I am not afraid of a little or a lot of work. It is something I enjoy doing.”

Matt Baker: mbaker@bclions.com