PA junior ATH boasts nine offers

When looking through the list of top juniors across the country for the 2005 recruiting campaign, Justin King is a name that cannot be overlooked.

The Pittsburgh (Pa.) Gateway High star stands 6-foot-0, weighs 180 pounds, and had his 40-yard dash time clocked at an amazing 4.24 seconds at Ohio State last summer and 4.29 seconds at the Nike Camp at Penn State. He also has a 37.2 vertical leap, and nine schools have already put their names in the pot for his services.

Justin has started since his freshman season and is receiving the most attention at cornerback. He was an all-fabulous 22 and first team all-conference selection as a sophomore.

King describes himself simply as a “game breaker” and he has put up the numbers this season to back up that description. So far this year he has rushed for 1400 yards and 25 touchdowns, and has also added two interceptions -- both for touchdowns – and caused three fumbles from the cornerback slot. He patterns his play on the field after his top player, Deion Sanders.

“I just like his flashiness and the way he plays,” King commented. “I really like the way he covers one on one.” Also a star on the track team, King runs the 100 meter dash (10.5 seconds) and the 200 meter dash (22.01 seconds).

Justin’s only two criteria in a college are the chance to play early and to graduate. Pittsburgh, Penn State, Ohio State, Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, Boston College, Wisconsin, and Ohio State all fall within these requirements, and all have offered him the chance to fulfill these goals at their institutions. He is wide open right now, and should have several more opportunities available when February 2005 rolls around.

King has been busy this fall checking out his favorite schools and has already attended the Ohio State – Iowa game, the Pitt – Notre Dame game, and the Penn State – Wisconsin game. He plans to watch the Penn State – Ohio State game this upcoming weekend, and also plans to see the Michigan – Notre Dame matchup later this fall. In addition to Ohio State and the Nike Camp at Penn State, he also camped at Michigan, Maryland, Notre Dame, West Virginia and Pitt over the summer.

King will have good advice while going through the recruiting process. His step-father, Terry Smith, played wide receiver at Penn State.

Justin should have no problems becoming an academic qualifier. He currently sports a 3.0 GPA and has already scored a 900 on the SAT.