CB/RB Justin King (5-11, 180, 4.4) of Pittsburgh Gateway (PA) already has about 27 offers and is firmly established as one of the elite recruits who will sign next Feb. Justin favors Michigan (CB) and Penn State (CB) slightly over USC (ATH), Florida State (ATH), Oklahoma (CB) and Texas (RB)--and all have offered.
"I grew up watching Michigan and Penn State. Penn State was my first offer when I was a frosh," said King. "I always loved their tradition and they are only two hours away, but that doesn't matter. I'll go where the opportunity is right. My dad (Terry Smith) played WR there. He told me to stay level-headed and not get caught up in everything. He doesn't have a favorite though."
His dad also happens to be the head coach at Pittsburgh Gateway High.
"But I was also a big fan of Michigan. I liked their helmets when I was younger. They are recruiting me really hard and I've been to their JR Day already. I like my chances to play early there and I'm real familiar with their coaches. They seem to care about the players and I've been recruited by them since the ninth grade.
"Michigan and Penn St have the edge basically because they've been recruiting me the longest and the hardest. I'm just the most familiar with them.
"I like USC too. I like Coach Carroll and they were the national champs. It's a great opportunity there and they always have great players."
Justin says he hasn't decided on which camps he'll attend and says he plans to take all five of his official visits before making a commitment.
He finished his JR year with 1763 yds rushing on 211 carries and 31 TDs. Justin also played receiver and caught eight balls for 160 yds and two more TDs. On defense, he had 30 tackles, three fumbles caused and three picks.
"I'm quick and have great speed. I'm also very tough. I play explosive and am hard to stop. I want to work on catching the ball and have better hands. I want to get bigger. I prefer playing CB. It's better in the long run because there are more CBs than RBs in the NFL."
2.7/Jun SAT