Memphis DT names three early leaders

One of the more established defensive tackles in West Tennessee is a four year starter for Trezevant High school.

"I have been on the varsity team since 8th grade, and I have started ever snap since the first game of my 9th grade season," added Curtis King.

The 6' 3", 270 tackle has collected 28 sacks during this time frame which included 9 this past season.

"My biggest strength is the straight bull rush. My swim rep is also a specialty of mine. I am still working on my speed. I run a 4.9 right now, but I want to get that down in the 4.7's before I graduate."

The two time Team Captain off of Trezevant's club has some lofty goals for his senior campaign.

"I want to average 2 sacks a game my senior year. That might sound like a lot. I got 9 last year in nine games, so I want to double that."

Who is the best player Curtis has gone up against.

"Man, it would have to be Darius Barksdale for South Panola. He juked me one time last year and kind of embarrassed me. I got him back pretty good though. Darius runs so hard though. He is real elusive."

King got to experience his first Jr Day this past Saturday.

"My visit to Ole Miss went great. It was a great experience because that was my first visit to a college. I watched the practice and studied their defensive linemen. They have some really good defensive tackles. I mean really good. It kind of surprised me at how good they were. The trip was a little better than I was expecting because I was just expecting the basics that we do in high school but it was way more than that."

What stood out the most?

"I would have to say the campus tour. They have a beautiful campus. The equipment was also impressive. It is hard to get quality equipment around here. Lastly, I like how hard they work at Ole Miss. It is not like it is here. If you do wrong, they make you stand at the front of the line and keep doing it until you get it right."

The coaches had a nice talk with Curtis.

"Coach Nix told me that he wanted me to come to their Sr camp. He said he liked my size. He thinks I can play for them. Coach (Nix) just wants me to come to their camp to get a good look at me."

Who are some other colleges that are involved in King's recruitment?

"Kentucky, Tennessee, Illinois, and Louisville."

Which schools stand out to this point?

"Ole Miss, Kentucky, and Tennessee."

What stands out about Tennessee?

"I have always wanted to go to school at Tennessee since I was a little kid. I look at Tennessee as another step up."

And Kentucky?

"I look at Kentucky in the same way. It is another step up playing in the SEC."

What are Ole Miss' positives?

"I just think they have a nice program and it is close to home."

King carries a 2.5 GPA.