Ohio sleeper back is the total package

Playing is a small conference has not afforded Defiance (Ohio) Ayersville running back Anthony King the exposure of his colleagues at bigger schools around the Buckeye State, but in this age of information, athletes with skill will eventually get noticed.

For the 6-0, 207-pound King, it is only a matter of time before college coaches around the Midwest know his name. Ayersville head coach Chris Dales has plenty to show those coaches when they do arrive inquiring about his star back.

"Offensively, obviously he is our go-to man," said Dales. "He has the whole package. He has power, he has breakaway speed and he has the ability to catch the ball out of the backfield very well. In our type of offense that we run, he is our main focus. He is going to get 30 carries a game and he is very, very hard to tackle.

"He's a tremendous kid who gives us his all on offense, and on defense last year we stuck him in and found out he turned into be a really nice outside linebacker for us with his speed and athletic ability."

Although not yet a household name, several colleges in the MAC and Big East are already familiar with King and would probably just assume he stays under the radar a little longer.

"There's a variety of different Division 1 schools that are interested in him," said Dales. "We are a small school, but we're really trying to get the word out that this kid is a ballplayer and without a doubt he can play Division 1 football.

"The MAC schools are really starting to heat up. I just got a phone call from Toledo and they want him down for their Junior Day this Saturday. Ball State is coming down to see him. Akron is interested in him. Miami (Ohio) is interested in him. Cincinnati is also interested and we've also heard a little bit from West Virginia. Their coach has contacted me and we sent some film down."

King has not taken to any one school yet and remains open regarding his potential college destination. Dales sees two factors being the most important when decision time does roll around.

"I think it is going to come down to whoever offers him and whoever is closer to home," Dales said. "His No. 1 concern is that he gets his college education paid for and without a doubt he has what it takes to for that to happen. Right now I know he is a mid-major kid for sure and if he keeps on improving like he is doing, by the time his high school career is over with he might be able to be recruited on a national basis.

"He hasn't even come close to reaching his potential and that's what is so scary. He has an awesome body and every time he goes to these combines his 40 time is coming down. I think before it is all said and done he is going to be a 4.3 kid, I really do."

King's numbers over the last two seasons verify his coach's comments. As a sophomore he burst onto the scene with 1,650 rushing yards and 31 touchdowns, earning first team all-state recognition in the process. As a junior, King shared the load with a senior, yet still rushed for over 1,500 yards and scored 25 touchdowns.

Besides his ideal size for the running back position, King also possesses superior speed. He was clocked at 4.46 in the 40-yard dash this past weekend at a combine according to Dales. His combination of speed and power reminds his coach of another infamous former state of Ohio product.

"If you go back a couple years ago when the Buckeyes were good with [Maurice] Clarett, he has his body and he has his hands," said Dales. "No one could tackle (Clarett) and no one can tackle this kid. That's who he kind of reminds me of. He has those skills that are hard to come by."

King has already made an unofficial visit to Cincinnati for a Junior Day and has trips to Toledo and Bowling Green in the works.