By Miguel Mike Medina
Photo Credit: Mike Miller, Blue and Gold
Notre Dame Fighting Irish offensive lineman Anthonie Knapp is a junior who has become an exceptional leader for the program.
Knapp has earned many honors, including the 2026 ESPN Preseason All-American First Team and the Walter Camp Preseason All-American First Team. Knapp is one of the team’s veterans. He started 28 games throughout his three seasons at Notre Dame. Knapp has learned from the leaders when he was a freshman, and now he’s returning the favor to the younger players.
“I had leaders to look up to,” Knapp said. “That’s been my biggest thing this year and just being a veteran now. Practice tough, practice hard, and not really saying much, but do the right stuff on film. Say the right things when they need to be said.”
That’s the best way to earn respect. Knapp hopes the young players listen more often and learn from the experience.
Knapp accepts any challenge that coaches throw at him, even if it means switching positions. Offensive coordinator Joe Rudolph is great at connecting with players and instilling confidence in them to get the job done.
“I’ve always loved football,” Knapp said. “Coach said, ‘Hey, I think you could be really good at offensive guard.” And I said, “Well, I trust you, coach.”
Offensive guard is the point of attack. The guard has to be aggressive. Setting the tone is necessary. Knapp loves the culture of the offensive line.
“I get chills thinking about it,” Knapp said. “This is going to be my third year. It’s just a brotherhood. There’s no one I’d rather be with than the offensive line.”
There’s a true brotherhood on and off the field with the Fighting Irish players. Knapp wants to play football for as long as he can, and he wants to play at a high level. He also believes that it’s in God’s plan, not his.
Knapp has grown and developed characteristics that will shape him into a much better human being when he leaves Notre Dame. Historically, Notre Dame players leave better, not just as players but as grown men, into the real world.
Miguel Mike Medina is the publisher of The MMM Journal. He can be reached at medinamiguelmike@gmail.com and themmmjournal@gmail.com
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