First year Knoxville Football Coach Matt Dunkin knew he would have a challenge to get players to come out. Dunkin was the offensive coordinator for the Panthers last year, who suffered through a 1-8 season. Dunkin tells KNIA/KRLS Sports he has 58 players out this season and started to convince players who had not been out in previous years to join the team the moment he was confirmed the head coach.

Dunkin: “That was one of my big things after taking over in January. We know some guys that could play and knew of guys that wanted to go out, plus we’ve had guys move into town or move back into town which is nice.”

Dunkin says the offense will not change radically, however the Panthers may pass more just because he has several receivers and wants to utilize them. Knoxville will get the 2022 season started next Friday at Newton. Hear all of the Knoxville games live on 95.3 KNIA and all home games on the KHS Activities You Tube Channel.