On a team full of college prospects, it takes a lot to stand out. But, senior full back John King (5-11, 205) has managed to do just that.  King – a relative unknown a year ago – burst into the spotlight this year with over 1600 yards rushing and 21 touchdowns for the 11-1 Muskegon Big Reds Football Team.

“He’s the heart and soul of our team,” said Muskegon head coach Shane Fairfield. “On the field, John is a warrior. He just loves football.”

King’s meteoric rise is the product of an intense summer conditioning routine with the goal of developing his two-way playing abilities. King, who also plays linebacker, hit the summer football combine/camp circuit to compete against the state’s top players. All of the hard work is paying off; King is having an All-State season and his recruiting stock is trending up as his team marches through the state playoffs.

King does reap the benefit of having a very good offensive line in front of him, but he’s also breaking tackles and running away from the defense. He has good vision and tremendous power with a style reminiscent of former Muskegon great Ashton Leggett. While his combine testing numbers may not blow you away, he is an absolute gamer who gets it done on the field.

College coaches will get another opportunity to catch King this weekend as Muskegon takes on Caledonia in the Division 2 Semifinals.