Missouri’s football program is on fire in the recruiting scene, and their latest commitment from DeSmet’s three-star linebacker, Jason King, further solidifies their stronghold on the gridiron talent. King’s announcement of commitment on a Saturday afternoon adds another gem to the Tigers’ already impressive recruiting class.
The journey to securing King’s commitment began last July when the Tigers’ staff extended an offer to the 6-foot-1, 210-pound prospect. Since then, Missouri has been relentless in their pursuit, with King reciprocating the interest. Multiple visits to Missouri’s campus provided King with the comfort and familiarity he sought in a collegiate program. His affinity for the coaching staff, the defensive scheme, and the prospect of representing his home state all weighed heavily in his decision-making process.
“Their defense fits me really well and the chance to compete for national championships for the in-state school really stood out to me,” King stated, shedding light on the factors influencing his commitment.
King’s relationship with Tigers linebackers coach D.J. Smith emerged as a pivotal aspect in his decision. The rapport established between them, coupled with Smith’s impressive coaching history and NFL experience, solidified King’s belief in the program’s ability to nurture his talents.
“Coach Smith is great and he has a really impressive history of the linebackers he’s coached along with making it to the NFL himself,” King affirmed. “He’s a funny coach and has a good sense of humor.”
Furthermore, King’s on-field prowess speaks volumes. His junior season statistics of 90 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, and four sacks across inside and outside linebacker positions underscore his versatility and impact on the field. These stellar performances earned him accolades such as First-Team All-Conference, First-Team All-District, and Second-Team All-State honors.
Choosing Missouri over competing programs like Kansas and Kansas State, alongside offers from Tennessee, Kentucky, Washington, and others, underscores the allure and potential King sees in representing the Tigers. His commitment adds depth to Missouri’s 2025 recruiting class, joining fellow linebacker pledge Dante McClellan and recent commitments Joshua Lewis and Jack Lange.
With King’s commitment, Missouri continues its upward trajectory in the recruiting landscape, signaling to both fans and competitors alike that the Tigers are a force to be reckoned with on and off the field. As the Tigers aim to build a formidable roster, King’s decision serves as a testament to the program’s allure and the promising future it holds for talented prospects.