Overview

King signed with Penn State as one of the most highly touted prospects in the program's recent history. As talented a raw athlete as they come, his decision to come out after his junior season remains a surprising one considering how badly he struggled down the stretch. A selection on the draft's first day is purely a gamble on King's rare size and athleticism.

Rated the nation's top cornerback and the top player in Pennsylvania, King led Gateway HS to an 11-2 mark in his senior season and the Western Pennsylvania District 7 Class AAAA title game. He rushed for 1,902 yards and 33 touchdowns on 208 attempts. King also had nine receptions for 180 yards and three scores. Defensively, he collected 25 tackles and an interception. As a junior, King rushed for 1,763 yards and 29 TD touchdowns. For his career, he carried the ball 544 times for 4,519 yards, the third-highest total in District 7 Class AAAA history, and scored 59 touchdowns.

Nationally recognized, King played in the U.S. Army All-America Bowl, was the 2004 Gatorade Pennsylvania Player-of-the-Year and a first-team all-state selection by numerous media outlets. King shared the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review Player-of-the-Year Award and was a member of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Fabulous 22 and the Harrisburg Patriot-News Platinum 33 squads. He was co-winner of the Mercury Award, presented annually to the top player in Western Pennsylvania and was a Parade All-American. King also was an accomplished sprinter on the track and field team for two years.

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Analysis

Positives: Physically, has everything scouts are looking for. Tight skinned, athletic build, good size and rare straight-line speed. ... Smooth hip turn in transition to stick with receivers out of their breaks. ... Versatile athlete who has seen time at wide receiver. ... Shows the ability to pluck the ball out of the air. ... Flashes explosiveness as a hitter.

Negatives: Left out on an island in 2007 and really struggled down the stretch. ... Has the athleticism to run with any receiver in the country, but seemed to struggle with more refined route-runners. ... Too often seemed satisfied with breaking up passes when opportunities for interceptions were there. ... Finished 2007 with 15 passes broken up and only two interceptions. ... Not particularly aggressive or physical in run support.

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Q & A

Growing up, who was your favorite NFL player and why?

Deion Sanders, he is fun to watch.

In college, what player hit you the hardest? Who was the recipient of your best hit?

Ernie Sims, Albert Young

What TV-show marathon will keep you on the couch all day?

Law and Order SUV or Martin.

What are the five most-played songs in your iPod? What's the one song you hope nobody ever finds out is in your iPod?

Don't have a top 5. Hope nobody ever finds -- Johnny Cash, Ring of Fire.

What celebrity would play you in the movie version of your life and why?

Will Smith or Nick Cannon

What is one thing your teammates don't know about you?

I like Harry Potter books

What reality TV show would you like to be on and why?

Real World, they get to live with the strangers and it seems fun.

What's your proudest moment in football? Proudest moment off the field?

Orange Bowl/2005. Graduating from college in three years.

When you play Madden, what team do you use? Do you put yourself on the team?

Steelers-Ravens, no

Who has been the biggest influence on your football career and how?

Troy Smith, he's helped me through the transition of the different levels of football.