When looking at the men’s soccer team’s lineup at any given time, one might see some pretty imposing players

Chris Rufa and Steve Algozino provide height on the back row. Marcus McCarty and Chris Johnson provide size on offense. And goalie Joe Zimka stands 6-foot-4, making him the tallest player on the team and one of the bigger goalies in the conference.

With that in mind, one might not look at midfielder Kyle Knotek and be overly intimidated.

The sophomore from Geneva stands 5-foot-6 and weighs 144 pounds.

But what Knotek brings to the Huskies is equally as valuable as what anyone else has to offer.

While Knotek was enrolled at Geneva High School, the Chicago Tribune called him “one of the top technically proficient players in the state.”

Being a fundamentally sound player has been easy for him, since from an early age he realized he wouldn’t be a physically imposing player.

“Early on I realized I wouldn’t be the fastest or tallest,” Knotek said. “It would have to be my skills that would set me apart.”

Knotek earned numerous accolades in high school at Geneva while playing alongside two current Division I players: Steve Sloan, who plays at Louisville, and Zac Scaffidi, who plays for Michigan State.

While Knotek was an intricate part of his high school team, he also played a Dennis Rodman-type role, doing a lot of the dirty work.

Which made the role Knotek assumed when he came to NIU all the easier to perform.

“I think I’ve excelled after high school,” Knotek said. “My game has picked up a lot. Overall, it’s gotten a lot better.”

The success Knotek experienced in high school — as well as playing for the Chicago Magic club team — has helped him understand what it takes to succeed at the collegiate level.

Knotek played with the Magic for five years, winning five state titles, three Midwest regional titles and playing in two national finals.

“[Club soccer] helped me gain confidence to lead,” Knotek said. “It helped me gain experience in big games.”