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Once again, we preview a player that goes into 2014 with a shot to start at a position of desperate need.
Jason King - So. (RS)
Hometown: Little Rock, AR (Pulaski Academy)
Offensive Lineman
6'4", 305 pounds
2014 Projection: Probable Starter at offensive guard
One of my great hopes last season was that the redshirt freshmen that Danny Hope left behind would have a chance to come of age. Hope's final full recruiting class in 2012 was stocked with linemen in Cameron Cermin, Jason King, Jordan Roos, J.J. Prince, and Joey Warburg. On paper the situation looked solid. The five would redshirt and hit the weight room, play as reserves in 2013, and be ready for more of a starter's role in 2014.
Well, they'll get the chance to start, all right.
King comes from Arkansas high school football powerhouse Pulaski Academy, where in King's senior year they went 14-0, averaged 51.5 points per game and 538 yards per game, en route to a state championship. Perhaps the most well-known figure out of Pulaski Academy is head coach Kevin Kelley, the cult-like figure who's been featured in Sports Illustrated for his "no punting" gameplan and the team's constant onside kicks. King played at the right tackle spot in Kelley's high powered offense earning a 2-star ranking, but was recruited by the likes of Colorado, Kansas, and Louisiana Tech as a guard.
King has done well so far, at least. He was listed as a starter this spring at offensive guard and it looks like he, Jordan Roos, and Robert Kugler will form the interior of the line this coming season. Their performance will decide if there is a turnaround or not.