PA's Fredi Knighten Wins Landers Award

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(Photo by Julia Woods) It was announced Thursday night that PA quarterback Fredi Knighten won the 2011 Landers Award, given to the state’s outstanding football player.

Pulaski Academy owns arguably the best football team and player in the state. Bruins senior quarterback Fredi Knighten cemented his place in prep football history by earning the Landers Award Thursday night. The award was given to Knighten during a 30-minute live television show on KATV Channel 7 in Little Rock.

“I am so happy for Fredi,” PA coach Kevin Kelley said. “He is an unbelievable quarterback and a terrific  young man, and role model as well. He is extremely deserving of the award in every way you can think of. What a way to finish a year with an undefeated state championship and the Landers Award.”

Knighten is one of the few players who have were two-time finalists. The 5-foo11, 190-pounder with 4.5 speed distinguished him from the other 13 finalists with gaudy stats. He led the state in passing (260 for 353 for 4,559 yards) and 66 touchdowns and rushed 104 times for 837 yards and 15 touchdowns. He also caught 6 passes for 124 yards and a score.

He led PA to an undefeated state championship (the first in school history) and was the MVP of the state title game. PA finished No. 1 Overall in two statewide polls.

“It’s an amazing feeling,” Knighten said. “This is like the Heisman Trophy of Arkansas, so it is a great honor. It’s a great privilege, but I owe it to my teammates, coaches, family and God for blessing me with so many tings I can’t even name all of them. I just want to thank all of the people that have been there for me.”

Kelley said Knighten, who is also a standout student, is “not only a great player but a great human being.”

“I’m ecstatic. I’m so proud of Fredi,” said Knighten’s mom Daphne Gallot said. “He is a great son.”

For his efforts, Knighten earns a ring, trophy and $3,000 scholarship. The QB won’t need the scholarship money. He is weighing offers from Arkansas State and Louisiana Tech. He visits ASU this weekend and will make a decision soon after.

Little Rock car dealer Steve Landers sponsors the event, and KATV Sports Director Steve Sullivan orchestrates it by choosing a finalist each week during the football season. The winner is determined in part by a fan vote and  panel of media members, which included VYPE Publisher Nate Olson.

Justin Hall, of Warren, won the Paul Eells. The honor is given to a football player each year that embodies the spirit of the late broadcaster who was the Channel 7 Sports Director and “Voice of the Razorbacks.” Hall plays four sports and is the schools valedictorian.

2011 Landers Award Finalists

Neal Burcham, Greenbrier

Zach Conque, Catholic

Kaylon Cooper, North Little Rock

Kenneth Dixon, Strong

Dallas Hardison, Bentonville

Hunter Henry, Pulaski Academy

Ajalen Holley, Lakeside

Shaquille Jones, Northside

Derek Keaton, Camden Fairview

Fredi Knighten, Pulaski Academy

Levi Runyan, Lake Hamilton

Jeremy Sprinkle, White Hall

Dezmond Stegall, Searcy

Dillon Winfrey, Bryant

Landers Award Winners

• 2000  De'Arrius Howard of West Memphis
• 2001  Reed McKinney of Warren
• 2002  Landon Leach of Russellville
• 2003  Peyton Hillis of Conway
• 2004  Darren McFadden of Oak Grove
• 2005  Damien Williams of Springdale
• 2006  A.J. Whitmore of Nashville
• 2007  Tyler Wilson of Greenwood
• 2008  Spencer Keith of Pulaski Academy
• 2009  Michael Dyer of Little Rock Christian
• 2010  Brandon Allen of Fayetteville
• 2011 Fredi Knighten of Pulaski Academy