National Signing Day Spotlight: Safety Jack King

In our GBK: Top Twelve Incoming Defensive Commits article, OLB/Safety Jack King was amongst that group and has a much upside as any member of Army’s 2016 recruiting class.

The 6-foot-2, 210 pounder’s National Signing Day kicked bright and early (6:45am EST) with a breakfast with family, which included other members of his team who were also signing. His signing ceremony where he put his John Hancock on Army West Point’s Certificate of Commitment started at 7am and for King, this is all a dream come true.

“Absolutely a dream come true,” acknowledged the Charlotte (NC) Providence High School product. Ever since I was little I've wanted to play Division I football and of course to get one of the best educations in the world. West Point is one of a kind.”

King was joined by his parents, along with his brother and girlfriend and added this about this morning’s event. “It was a big relieve, I know that my parents are extremely proud of me,” King shared directly with GoBlackKnights.com right after his signing ceremony. “They know how hard I worked and they know all the things that they have done for me, so I am glad that everything has paid off.”

“We just had this ceremony and all the parents and friends left, but the other people I signed with, we are just chilling in the media center right now. We are probably going to go to class in a little bit.”

Like most members of this class, through connecting on their respective official visits and of course through social media, they have already developed a bond they go far beyond their 4-5 years at the academy.

“Yes I have been in contact with my future teammates,” stated King. “On my official visit I talked to Trey Neville quite a bit and we just talked about the opportunity it is, but also the things we are not going to experience as well. I talked to my player-host Gibby Gibson and other freshman there a lot to find out what the academy life is really about.”

King’s versatility has many of the Army fanbase excited to see what he will bring defensively. When asked by GoBlackKnights.com what his thoughts were about playing either OLB or the safety position at the collegiate level, he had this to say.

“I'm very excited to play on the big stage,” he stated. “I also know it's going to be an extremely tough challenge and I have to devote everything in order to excel at the next level.”

King acknowledged that even beyond being only few months away from starting his college football career, that he is on course to be part of an elite college path at the school that was ranked the No. 1 public college/university in the nation by Forbes and he heard it all from family, friends and coaches.

"Oh wow! Congratulations are things I constantly here,” said the hard hitting defender. “And because of my long hair it's usually you know that hair has to go {laughing} and they usually comment on the prestige of the school.”

However, today’s ceremony also allowed King to reflect on those that have been so important along his journey so far and he readily admitted that he is thankful to all that helped him along the way.

“I've thanked a few of my former coaches and my dad,” said King, who stated that his appreciation happened way before NSD. “They usually come back to how it started with me and my work and also they are extremely proud.”

Being the baller that he is and especially where he resides, it comes as no surprise that come Sunday, his attention will move to the upcoming Super Bowl and if you ask King ... it’s a no brainer as to who will come out on top.

“Carolina Panthers all the way,” he yelled out. “As I live in Charlotte they are the obvious. Also, I am an Auburn fan because my older brother went there. So, I'm definitely rooting for the Panthers.”

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