2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Johnny King, WR, SE Missouri State University

• Name: Johnny King
• Position: WR
• College: Southeast Missouri State University
• Height: 6’5″
• Weight: 210 lbs
• Twitter: @Jking_II

What are your favorite moments from your football life?

One of my most favorite moments from football would be me getting the chance to make it out of Junior college to playing Division 1, not a lot of people get the chance to do that and I am glad that I got that opportunity.

What sets you apart from other wide receivers?

Being a wide out you have to have a lot of confidence when it comes to this position and not everybody has that in them, I’m also a big guy who can get off press, track down deep balls, and run good routes. Being 6’5 not a lot of people can run precise routes and get in and out of breaks well, but I can. I can play anywhere on the field whether it’s inside or out, having these attributes to my game separates me from a lot of other wide receivers.

If you could hang out with any football player past or present for a day who and why?

One player I would love to hang with would be Davante Adams. Davante Adams has a lot of attributes in his arsenal that I would love to pick up on. His releases are real violent and that’s what get’s him open most of the time, having a great release can set up a lot further on in the route. Another thing I would love to get from him is his ball skills, he can be the guy to go up and attack the ball or even sometimes let the ball drop in the bucket when it’s time. He’s a great player and that’s someone I would enjoy being around.

What type of energy do you bring onto the football field?

As a receiver I bring lots of confidence, by me putting in tons of work outside of everything is what helps me build my confidence. Sometimes I could be a very silent guy, so normally I really wouldn’t say to much when prepping for a game or practice. I’m also the type of leader who leads others by my actions. I like to let my skill speak for itself when it’s time. I try more and more everyday to become a voice and a vocal leader for all the others who look up to me.

What should we know about Johnny King the person?

As a person I’m someone who comes from not much of a wealthy family but a stable family. I’ve always had the mindset to be better then my father, and be the special gem in the family. I can say I’m the first to go to college in my family and make it this far. I graduated Junior college receiving my AA degree, and now I have one semester left until I receive my Bachelors degree.

What is a moment that improved you as a football player?

A movement that improved me as a football player was when I received my very first Division 1 offer. I always knew I had what it took to play Division 1 ball but once I got that first offer I never looked back, I started training even harder.

What is your favorite offensive scheme and why?

A spread offense would be my most favorite offensive scheme. I love a spread offense because there are many different route concepts that the offensive coordinator can pick from. As a receiver airing the ball out should be one of the main factors for your skill set to be shown and even elevated.

What are you looking forward to in your upcoming season?

I’m looking forward to just getting the chance to play my last season with the group of teammates I call my “brothers”. We’ve started a bond ever since I got to Southeast Missouri St, and I am glad I’m ending my college career with those guys.

How do you handle challenges both in life and on the football field?

I handle my challenges by coming up with a plan and talking it out with my parents. Asking my family for help and getting their opinion on things helps me out most of the time. I know I will always have my family to support me through whatever I’m going through.

What would a team get in a player like you?

A team will get a player who’s work ethic is out the roof, no matter how hard the challenge is I could get it done. I’m willing to play wherever they want to plug me in at, whether it’s special teams, or out a wide receiver. I’m a coachable guy with good IQ. No matter if the playbook is slim or thick I am always willing learn new things and techniques to help better my game. Whoever gets me is getting a true stud from a small school that they will for sure never regret.

Who is the most underrated player you’ve played with and why?

One player I can say that is underrated is one of my JUCO teammates Cassius Allen. He’s reminds me of myself, he’s a deep threat guy who can play anywhere on the field also. Being 6’4 he has good hip flexibility and feet, he’s able to get in and out of routes as if he was 5’11. He’s a stud who I can see making a lot of plays at Southern University.

What do you think are the keys to success on the football field?

The keys to success will be believing in yourself and having self-confidence. No one will ever believe in you more then you do. Having self-confidence can take your game to a whole different level, a lot of players fail to have self-confidence. If you really want to be great you have to be willing to bet everything on yourself no matter what it is.