Kentucky Wildcats Football National Signing Day: Cats ready the fax machines
By Paul Jordan
Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
After the Kentucky Wildcats Football team lost out on Damien Harris, they were not expected to add a running back in this class. However, Mark Stoops came through with a surprise commitment last night.
"UK received a surprise commitment Tuesday night from three-star running back Sihiem King, who announced his pledge to the Cats on the eve of national signing day. King — a 5-foot-8, 175-pound prospect from Moultrie, Ga. — was the class 6A offensive player of the year in Georgia this past season after rushing for more than 2,000 yards and 40 touchdowns and leading Colquitt County to the state title. USA Today named him to the ALL-USA second team following last season, and ESPN ranks him as the No. 74 running back in the class of 2015. King was recruited at West Virginia by new UK offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson. He took official visits to Wake Forest and Washington State last month."
The thing that I like about iIng is that it looks like he will be a receiving threat out of the backfield. Here is how ESPN evaluates King.
OVERALL TRAITS
| Size-Strength-Speed |
A smaller back, but an elusive threat at the RB position with quickness and speed. Lacks ideal size, but is muscular and tightly wound allowing him to run with more strength and pop on contact than his slighter frame would indicate. His game is built on speed and suddenness. Is a slippery back. |
Vision/Patience
Is quick to his aiming point and hits the crease decisively with a sudden burst. Will juke and jive in a phone booth. Shows good in-line vision and quickness to get through the tight seams as well. We like his zone running skill set and ability to pick and stab his way through traffic.
Agility/Acceleration
This is his best attribute. Goes from 0-to-60 in a hurry. Quick to get into a second level and utilize his big-play speed. Can outrun initial pursuit angles with very good breakaway burst and has enough long speed to take it the distance. He is a bit straight-lined with short legs and a bit of hip tension.
Power/Balance
Displays very good balance slipping arm tackles, but is not a pile mover or real powerful back. Is not going to be a guy that withstands many direct hits. Lean and thin lower body with silky smooth agility allows for him to keep his feet.
Bottom Line
King is a speedy, all-purpose back with hybrid slot/RB skill set that could be ultra-productive in a spread offense. Best asset is his versatility and ability to motion out in the slot and produce in the passing game. Possesses power five conference ability with group of five measurables.