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UCLA star safety skipping Holiday Bowl due to Covid-19

Wade-Peeryby:Wade Peery•12/23/21
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(Photo by Jevone Moore/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

UCLA star safety Qwuantrezz Knight, one of the Bruins top players, announced Thursday night that he will have to forego the Holiday Bowl against N.C. State next week due to COVID-19 protocols, he announced on Twitter.

Knight wrote in his announcement: “These two years at UCLA has been a life-changing experience and I am so thankful to have had this opportunity. I have built relationships and made memories that will last a lifetime. Thank you to everyone who has helped me get to this point in my life.

“Special thanks to the entire education program for believing in me and not giving up on me in the classroom! To my coaches, teammates, and the entire Bruin community, I love you forever. Most importantly, mom and dad, thank you for keeping me motivated and for all your sacrifices along the way.”

He continued: “Since a young age, it has been my dream to play in the NFL. Now, after graduating with a master’s degree in education, it’s time to pursue that dream. Unfortunately, due to Covid protocols, I have no choice but to forego the Holiday Bowl. But with that said, I’m excited to announce that I am declaring for the 2022 NFL Draft. Go Bruins!”

It’s yet another sad part of the bowl season when a star player like Knight has his career cut short due to Covid-19. It’s awful news for UCLA, the bowl, fans and everyone involved.

In 2021, Knight was named as a second-team All Pac-12 selection by the league’s coaches. He racked up 66 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, and one forced fumble. The Grenta, Florida, native led his team in tackles and tackles for loss. He also had three pass breakups.