Q&A: Western Mustangs lineman Deionte Knight on his parents, football and seizing the day

The Western Mustangs defensive lineman, Deionte Knight of Ajax, Ont., has been in major demand by both the Canadian and National Football Leagues. 

As he was on his way to go celebrate his football team's 2021 Vanier Cup victory, Knight got a phone call from both the Washington Commanders and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers asking him to take part in their rookie mini-camp.

Knight has also been selected by the Toronto Argonauts as their 10th overall pick in the CFL draft in early May.

After a long week of football drills in Florida and Virginia, the player made his way back to Canada and spoke to CBC Radio's London Morning on Tuesday to share what this journey has been like for him. Here's what he had to say. 

The following has been edited for length and clarity

Q: You're fresh from rookie mini-camps ... tell me what this week was like?

A: Oh man, it was a life changing experience for sure. I got great coaching and met lots of new friends there. I definitely had to push my mind and body to the limit and experience breaking through some new boundaries for myself, but it was a great experience and I learned a lot about myself, and I'm excited for what's next for me. It was definitely full days of work but it was a great experience, and it gave me a great base template of what to expect in the CFL as well, so I couldn't have asked for a better time during those two weeks. 

Q: The Mustangs coach has described you as "enthusiastic, relentless and passionate." Where does that come from? 

A: That definitely has to come from my family. My mom's side are actually Lebanese immigrants and they opened their own pizza business, and they've been working for a really long time in the local Gatineau area. So I get that work ethic from them,