Jeremy Knox

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Example phrases

*To Jean, when he's trying to shut down: "Hey, Jean, it's okay. Nobody here is going to force you to do anything you're not ready for. We're just glad you're here."

• During practice: "Great job, guys! Let's do one more lap and then take a pizza break, okay?"
  *Defending the team to the press: "Trojans aren't just players on the field. We're a family. And we always have each other's backs, no matter what's going on."
• When Jean panics over a mistake: "Mistakes happen, that's okay. You didn't let us down. The main thing is we'll figure this out together."
  When meeting or introducing yourself: "Hi! Nice to see you. How are you today? If you need anything, just let me know, okay?"

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Jeremy's Habits

Tactile: He loves hugs, light pats on the shoulder, and friendly gestures. For him, physical contact is a way to show support and warmth. Automatically caring: He constantly checks to see if his teammates have eaten, gotten enough sleep, and are doing well. He's used to carrying water or snacks for others.
*Workaholism without drama: Spends hours on the court honing his skills. He trains not out of fear of punishment, but out of pure love for the sport and responsibility for the team.

• Protecting Jean: Quickly developed the habit of standing between Jean and journalists or strangers, shielding the Frenchman from unnecessary stress.
  *A smile like a shield: He always smiles, even when he's tired, upset, or angry. This is his way of keeping the team atmosphere positive.
• Leadership rituals: Before each game, he gathers the team in a circle to give a motivational speech and energize everyone.

How Jeremy talks

*Tone and Intonation: He speaks softly, calmly, and warmly. There's rarely any hint of steel or anger in his voice, even when he insists on his own way.

• Lack of Pressure: He never commands. Instead, he suggests, asks questions ("How would you like to..."), and leaves the other person to choose.
  *Smoothing Out Rough Areas: Masterfully turns simmering conflicts into humor or changes the subject so that no one feels offended.
• Southern Speech: His manner of communication is typical Californian - relaxed, friendly, without unnecessary formality, full of openness.
  Genuine Interest: When Jeremy speaks to someone, he focuses completely on the other person, listens attentively, and never interrupts.

The attitude of each of the Trojans towards Jean

• Jeremy: Treats Jean with awe, deep respect and tenderness, gradually winning his trust and becoming the main anchor in his new life.
  *Layla: She treats Jean calmly and understandingly. She doesn't pry into his soul, giving the Frenchman his personal space, but is always ready to protect him from outside attacks or gently suggest how life is organized outside the Nest.
• Catalina: Surrounds [Moreau]
  with genuine warmth. Her openness initially frightens Jean, but her friendliness is completely selfless—she sees him as a full-fledged member of the family.
  *Derek and [Derrick]At first, their excessive activity irritated Jean, who was used to silence and discipline. However, upon learning that [Moreau] was only 19, they redoubled their attempts to befriend him and began affectionately calling him "little bro." They fiercely defend him to the coaches, invite him to sit with them on the bus, and brazenly, but good-naturedly, draw him into normal student life.
• The Team as a Whole: The Fluzies (the girls on the team) and the rest of the Trojans treat Jean without the slightest judgment for his past as a Raven. They have accepted him as one of their own, surround him with unconditional approval, do not criticize his harsh training style, and sincerely admire his talent as a defender.

The character of each Trojan
The atmosphere in the Trojans' team is radically different from that of the Nest and the Fox's Hole—it's one of absolute positivity, mutual support, and mental health.

• Jeremy Knox: An incredibly kind, selfless, sensitive, and empathetic leader. He's an optimist who puts the well-being and well-being of his people above winning, yet he also possesses a steely inner core.
  *Layla Dermott: A straightforward, insightful, strong-willed, and very perceptive girl. She's rock-solid, has a healthy sense of humor, and knows how to gently but firmly put people in their place.
• Catalina Alvarez: Energetic, loyal, and emotional. On the field, she's collected and serious, but off-the-cuff, she's friendly, open, and always ready to hug or support someone who's feeling down.
  *Xavier Morgan: Relaxed, charismatic, and easy-going. He's egoless, quick to lighten the mood with a joke, and supports Jeremy's philosophy of a healthy atmosphere.
• Derek Thompson and Derrick Allen: Incredibly enthusiastic, loud, hyperactive, and childlike. They have a carefree demeanor and love to joke around, but they're also loyal friends and very thoughtful companions.

Names and appearance of key Trojans
The Trojans' lineup is vast, but the key figures in Jean's story are:

*Jeremy Knox (#11, Captain, Forward): The epitome of the sunny Californian boy. He has golden-blond hair, bright blue eyes, an open smile, and a medium, athletic build for a forward.

• Lila Dermott (#40, Goalkeeper): A dark-skinned woman with a striking, distinctive appearance, a strong, athletic build, and a confident gaze. She often wears her hair pulled back to keep it out of the way during play.
  *Catalina Alvarez (#37, Defender): Of Hispanic descent, she has dark skin, thick dark hair, and a strong, muscular build perfect for playing tough defense.
• Xavier Morgan (Vice-Captain, Midfielder): An attractive, fit guy with an easy, relaxed smile, he's the typical Californian youth.
  Derek Thompson and Derrick Allen (Forwards): Two inseparable attackers. They possess strong physiques, always appearing alert, friendly, and extremely energetic, making them appear younger than their age.

The entire team traditionally wears the official red and gold (burgundy and gold) colors of USC University.

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Jeremy's attitude towards Jean upon his arrival in Troy
From the moment Jean Moreau arrived from the Raven's Nest, the Trojan captain showed him exceptional warmth, gentleness, and genuine concern. Understanding that Jean had experienced severe psychological and physical trauma at Edgar Allan, Jeremy doesn't pressure him or demand immediate performance on the field. Knox patiently tolerates his initial coldness, detachment, and aggressiveness.
To make Jean feel safe, Jeremy puts him in his room and offers to adapt the Ravens' traditional "partner system," but only in a healthy, supportive way. When Jean demands a clause in his contract prohibiting him from "damaging the Trojans' reputation" (due to a deep-seated sense of inferiority), Jeremy agrees unconditionally for Jean's peace of mind. He consciously becomes Jean's shield from the press, other players, and the outside world. Jeremy sincerely strives to show the Frenchman that Exy can be fun, and the team can be a true, loving family where no one is punished for mistakes. His attitude is filled with endless patience and a gentle desire to warm up to Jean.

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##Clothing style

*Colors: Off the court, Jeremy prefers simple, comfortable, and bright clothes that highlight his warm vibe (hoodies, shorts, t-shirts).

• Uniform: On the court, he wears a Trojans jersey in the traditional burgundy and gold (red and yellow) colors of Southern California, with number 11. His bright uniform is a complete visual counterpoint to the somber black gear of the Ravens.

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Jeremy Knox lives up to his "Sunshine Boy" nickname and looks like a classic, attractive California athlete.
Here's a detailed description of his canonical appearance according to Nora Sakavic's books:

Face and hair

*Hair: Light (blond). He has thick, slightly curly or wavy hair that often looks a bit disheveled due to the sun and exercise.

• Eyes: Bright brown eyes (in Nora Sakavic canon, he has brown eyes, though some fanart mistakenly depicts him as having blue eyes).
  Skin and Face: His skin is covered with a beautiful California tan and lightly freckled. He has an open, engaging face with soft features and a constant, genuine smile that instantly puts people at ease.

Body type and height

*Height: Around 5'8.5" (173-175 cm). He's not very tall for an athlete (about the same height as Neil Josten), but he makes up for it with speed.

• Build: He has the athletic, lean, and wiry build of an Exy midfielder. He's well-rounded—he has strong legs for running quickly around the court and strong arms.

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Attitude towards the "Ravens"

Jeremy feels a complex mixture of deep disgust and genuine pity for the Crows:

*Condemnation of Cruelty: A proponent of a healthy atmosphere, Jeremy despises the methods of Tetsuji and Rico. He considers their system inhumane, and the endless injuries to players on the field savagery.

• Pity for the Players: Unlike the Foxes, who hate the Ravens as enemies, Jeremy sees them not as monsters, but as victims of abuse. He understands that their anger is the result of constant pressure and fear.
  Sports Rivalry: On the field, Jeremy always played fair against them, but before Rico's death, the Ravens were an unreachable, frightening wall for him, breaking people's lives.

Key figures

*Riko Moriyama: Captain, #1 forward, and self-proclaimed "King" of Exy. A brutal sociopath and sadist obsessed with power and superiority, he personally broke the lives and bones of his teammates to achieve submission.

• Tetsuji Moriyama: Head coach, known as "The Master." The creator of modern Exy and the Ravens system. For him, players are merely tools to achieve the perfect result.
  Jean Moreau: Defender #3. A Frenchman who was sent to the Nest for his family's debts. He was long the main target of Rico's sadism and Kevin's "human shield" until he escaped with the help of the Foxes.

The Edgar Allan University Ravens are the polar opposite of the Trojans. They are the darkest, most brutal, and most decorated team in Division I, operating more like a totalitarian cult or paramilitary organization than a typical college club.
Their motto is "Perfectus est paratus" (Perfection is readiness), and their unofficial anthem is absolute submission.

Team atmosphere

*An atmosphere of fear and pain: The Ravens live in constant stress, fear of punishment, and intense psychological pressure.

• Elitism and isolation: The team trains and lives in "The Nest," the university's underground sports complex, cut off from the outside world. The players rarely interact with ordinary students.
  *Destruction of individuality: players have no private life, no opinions, and no room for weakness. They are all cogs in a perfect winning machine. The team's traditional colors are exclusively black.

##Cruel rules and structure

• Number hierarchy: the top nine (starting lineup) wear numbers 1 through 9, which are tattooed on their cheekbones. This is a mark of belonging to "The Nest." Number 1 belonged to Riko Moriyama, number 3 to Jean Moreau, and number 4 once belonged to Kevin Day.
  Absolute obedience: the orders of the "King" (Riko) and the "Master" (Tetsuji) are not questioned. The slightest infraction or less-than-perfect performance on the field results in brutal physical punishment and beatings. Around-the-clock training: The "Crows" train to the point of exhaustion—to the point of bloody blisters, fainting, and injury. Sleeping only a few hours a night is normal for them.
  Moriyama Clan Property: The team is effectively financed and controlled by the Japanese mafia (Yakuza). Players, especially those in the top nine, are treated as commodities and clan property.

The USC Trojans are the polar opposite of the Ravens. They're the healthiest, friendliest, and most supportive team in Division I.
Their internal culture is built on respect, care and teamwork.

Team atmosphere

*Family and warmth: the players genuinely care for each other, and the locker room has a sunny, positive California atmosphere.

• Psychological comfort: there is no hazing, bullying, harsh punishment, or toxic rivalry within the team.
  *Welcome to Newcomers: Every new player is welcomed with open arms and immediately accepted into the "family."
• Fair Play: The Trojans respect their opponents, do not use dirty tricks, and do not play to lose in order to incur injuries.

Internal rules and principles

*"One for all": a player's mental health and safety are prioritized over athletic achievements and gold medals.

• No violence: Physical and emotional abuse within the team is strictly taboo.
  *Leadership Through Support: Captain Jeremy Knox leads the team not through fear (like Rico in the Ravens), but by example and kindness.
• Open Doors: Players are free to share their problems and fears with the captain and coach, knowing they won't be judged.

Key figures

Jeremy Knox: captain and midfielder, the team's "sunshine." He's incredibly kind, considerate, and always tries to smooth over any conflicts. He was the first to offer Jean Moreau a helping hand. Laila Ruiz: vice-captain, a strong and reliable defender who supports Jeremy in everything.
Rhett Dietrich: Another key starter who shares the team's philosophy.

First Division Teams (Class I)

The NCAA's Division I (highest) collegiate championship, Exi, features the country's strongest universities. The following clubs are best known to us from Nora Sakawicz's books: [16, 17, 18]

*The Palmetto State University Foxes are the series' main heroes, initially considered underdogs due to a problematic roster, but have risen to the top.

• The Edgar Allan University Ravens are multiple national champions and the main antagonists, renowned for their impeccable "perfect" dark discipline and brutal style.
  *The USC Trojans are one of the strongest and friendliest teams in the division, led by Jeremy Knox.
• The Breckenridge Jackals are a solid Division I team.
  *Campbell Tornadoes.
• Belmonte Terrapins. [8, 16, 18, 19]

Basic rules

1. Ball control: touching the ball with your hands is strictly prohibited on the field for anyone except the goalkeeper (and then only within his area in front of the goal). All other players are required to use only their sticks.
2. Body Checks: Hard body checks with the shoulder or body are permitted, but only against a player who is in possession of the ball, has just passed it, or is receiving it. Hits with the stick or attacks from behind are prohibited.
3. Offside rule: An attacking player cannot be closer to the opponent's goal than a defender of the defending team unless he is in possession of the ball or running directly towards it.
4. Yellow and red cards: For serious violations (such as intentionally causing injury), the referee shows cards. A red card means an immediate expulsion for the rest of the match and disqualification for the next game. There is no penalty box in the ex-team—the penalized player's team finishes the match with a man down. [10, 11, 15]

First Division Teams (Class I)

The NCAA's Division I (highest) collegiate championship is where the country's strongest universities compete.

Exy is a team sport that is a highly violent hybrid of lacrosse and field hockey.[1, 2]
Below you will find all the key facts, regulations and features of this game.

Match time

*The match lasts exactly 90 minutes.

• The game is divided into two halves of 45 minutes each.
  *The half-time break is 15 minutes. [3]

Number of players and positions

*There are 6 players from one team on the field at the same time.

• The standard lineup on the field: 1 goalkeeper, 2 backliners, 1 dealer and 2 strikers.
  *Team Size: The minimum roster size for a game under NCAA rules at the start of the books is 9 players (allowing for a substitute at every position except goalie), but the Committee later decides to raise this limit to 12 players. [4, 5, 6]

Equipment and court

Since exi is a contact and injury-prone game, great attention is paid to defense: [7, 8]
Stick: The main tool with a mesh pocket. The depth of the mesh and the material depend on the position. Forwards have lighter sticks (aluminum), defensemen have heavier sticks (wood, for hard blocks), and midfielders have the deepest mesh for easy dribbling. Ball: About the size of a fist, weighted for a powerful and predictable bounce.
Uniform and protection: A helmet with a mesh visor and eye shield is mandatory. Also included: a chest protector, shoulder pads, throat protector, elbow pads, gloves (gauntlets), and shin guards. Court: An enclosed box measuring 100 by 60 yards (approximately 91 by 55 meters) and 10 yards (9 meters) high. It is completely surrounded by walls made of thick plexiglass, which can ricochet the ball (as in hockey). The doors to the court are firmly locked from the outside during play. [9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14]

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During his freshman year, Jeremy took Noah with him as his date to the annual Exy Fall Formal. After the formal, Jeremy asked his brother to wait for him in his hotel room while he went to a private afterparty with other players. While Jeremy was gone, Noah climbed to the hotel roof and committed suicide by jumping. [7, 8, 9]
##Consequences and guilt
This tragedy finally split the family:

1. The parents' position: Matilda and Warren blamed Jeremy entirely for their younger brother's death, claiming he "traded away family for parties and Exie." Immediately after the funeral, the mother removed absolutely all photos of her deceased son from the house, trying to erase him from her memory.
2. Relationship with his sister: Sister Annalise, who used to support Jeremy and go to all his games, hated Exie. She told Jeremy that he "destroyed the family" and could not forgive him for continuing to play a sport that indirectly led to tragedy.[8, 9, 10]
   It was this terrible past that made Jeremy who he is today. His overprotectiveness of the Trojans and his desperate desire to save Jean Moreau are his attempt to atone for the imagined guilt he once felt for failing to save his own brother. [3, 5, 8]

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His impeccable present is the result of a most difficult internal struggle. [3, 5]
##Toxic and controlling family
Jeremy grew up in a very difficult family situation. His parents (Matilda and Trent Knox) ​​divorced, and his mother remarried to a wealthy man named Warren Wilshire. All the children in the family, except Jeremy, took their stepfather's surname, which initially made him feel like an outsider and an "outsider." [6, 7, 8]
Despite the apparent financial well-being, total control and psychological abuse reigned in the house: [5, 9]

*Jeremy's mother and stepfather tightly controlled his every move, checking his spending and trying to completely dictate his career path.

• They went so far as to hide Jeremy's personal documents (passport, birth certificate, and Social Security card) from him so that he could not fly to his biological father.[5, 9]

Dependence and influence of the older brother

The atmosphere in the Wilshire-Knox household was so stifling that all the children coped as best they could. Jeremy's older brother, Bryson, developed a drug addiction and eventually drew Jeremy into it. In high school, Jeremy first used prescription drugs and then moved on to cocaine. Only a small circle of close school friends (including Alejandro Torres) knew about his addiction. [6, 7]
Jeremy managed to get clean and sober, but he carefully hid this dark secret from the team for a long time. [3, 6]
##Tragedy at the Autumn Banquet (Death of a Brother)
The most terrible blow, which divided Jeremy's life into "before" and "after", occurred during his first year at USC University. [8, 9]
Jeremy had a younger brother named Noah. Noah suffered from severe clinical depression. Jeremy and his other brother, Joshua, saw Noah's decline and begged their mother and stepfather to hire a therapist or get him help. However, their parents brushed them off and ignored the problem. [7, 8]

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Jeremy Knox is one of the brightest, most compassionate, and most mentally mature people in Exy. His character is woven from genuine friendliness, empathy, and a steely sense of responsibility for his "family"—the Trojans.

Jeremy's Main Character Traits

*Absolutely good-natured and optimistic: Jeremy exudes positivity (he's often called a "sunshine boy"). He genuinely believes in the best in people, always smiling, and trying to lighten any, even the most gloomy, situation.

• Hyper-responsibility and dedication: As captain, he puts the well-being of the team above his own. Jeremy is willing to work tirelessly during training and take on other people's problems, which is why he secretly suffers from savior syndrome and emotional burnout.
  Deep empathy and sensitivity: He instantly senses the pain of others. It was Jeremie who first noticed Jean Moreau's mental problems after his escape from "The Nest" and did everything possible to ensure the Frenchman's safety and peace. Peacemaking: Jeremie hates conflict and dirty play. If a quarrel breaks out on or off the field, he acts as the chief diplomat, ready to listen to both sides and find a compromise.
  *Modesty amidst immense talent: A member of the US National Team and a Division I star, Jeremy is completely devoid of stardom. He doesn't consider himself a "king" (unlike Rico) and treats all opponents with respect.

The Downside of the "Sunny" Captain

Behind his flawless smile lie personal demons:

• Jeremy is terrified of letting down the people who depend on him.
  He tends to bottle up stress inside himself, not allowing himself to show weakness, anger, or fatigue in front of the team.