I'm not even going to critique Knighton, because why? I think he's a good running back. But, you're hoping he can become what Travis Dye already is and hope that's a + version of him. Knighton's got some better attributes than Dye, for sure. You're hoping he can become Dye WITH the ability to finish runs with the long speed, to make that dead leg cut highlight play. But I think you're trying too hard here.
Dye's navigation through some tight holes (heh) especially in the red zone, when the OL does their job is impressive...you act like every runner can produce when the OL does their job, but there's some smart, veteran choices he makes and there's subtle movements he's making to get just enough to get in there for the score when less savvy runners would still get stopped short, or they'd make the wrong cut, etc. Runs with a lot of purpose and conviction (I strongly disagree about his feet and acceleration, I think these are both + attributes, especially behind the LOS, into the next level and its why he's been so successful when the OL does their job. Watch him in the red zone, he's not hesitating, overthinking, whatever. He gets the ball, he's got a plan to get to the endzone, and gets there.
You want to dismiss a ridiculously productive career as a runner in the Power 5 for abstracts? By all means. I think Knighton COULD BE a souped up version of Dye...but he's not there yet, and I wouldn't pass up Dye in the hopes that we have a souped up version of him. I'd take both and see if the cream can rise. But I think Dye would show up and be the best RB on campus off rip.