Missouri Football: Interview with Grandview 2021 ATH Reginald King Jr.
Written by Charlie Beuttel
Twitter: @charlie_cds3
Grandview junior athlete Reginald King Jr. had very bad luck during his junior season in 2019. In Week 2, King broke his leg in his team’s loss at Winnetonka and unfortunately wasn’t medically cleared to return until the first round of playoff. But after his return, he helped lead his team to the second round of the playoffs.
Throughout his four games of action, this 6’3”, 180-pound, play-maker made key plays by spending time on both sides of the ball by spending time at wide receiver and free safety. In total, King racked 36 total tackles and three pass break-ups on defense and had 15 receiving yards on offense.
King possesses tremendous quickness and athleticism and has a nose for the ball to make key plays all over the field. He also has great leadership which he used to encourage teammates last season whether he was on the field or while he was on the sideline during his injury.
This Class of 2021 recruit already has one college offer from Washburn and is also receiving interest from several other big-time college programs including Kansas and Pittsburg State University.
In an exclusive Recruiting News Guru interview, I caught up with King to discuss his junior season at Grandview and his recruiting process.
Interview
Reginald, how would you grade your individual performance last season and why?
“I would have to say my individual performance last year graded out would have to be a “B”. Unfortunately, I only played in four games last year. I broke my leg in Week 2 and didn’t come back until Week 10. I grade myself out as a “B” because the first game I was at free safety, I led my team in tackles and pass break ups. The time I was in the game, I played pretty solid but the fact that I’m not perfect, I would have to say a “B”.”
What was your most memorable moment last year?
“My most memorable moment from last year would have to be finally being cleared to play the game I love after my injury. It felt amazing to get back on the field with my brothers.”
What are your strengths on the football field?
“My strengths on the football field are I’m a leader, I’m quick, I track the ball easy, I come downhill fast, I’m long, and I’m a playmaker.”
What type of challenges did you face last season?
“There were lots of challenges that I faced but the biggest one was just sitting and watching will my brothers working hard every day and going to war on Fridays without me. I still coached and helped them from the side line but I’d rather be on the field going to war with them.”
How did you overcome your biggest challenge?
“I would have to say the way that I overcame my challenges were just me keeping my faith in God. I know God has my back and he will guide me down the right path. My coaches and teammates also helped a lot but the people who helped the most were my family for sure.”
What is your practice schedule like during the offseason?
“My practice and workout schedule are a little funky depending on the day and if I have work that day. When I don’t have work its wake up at 8:30, do my school work until about 12:30 then go for a jog, go home and chill for about an hour or two then do a in-home workout.”
What are you working on the most this offseason?
“I am working the hardest this offseason on recognizing routes as they are being ran. I did a pretty good job of that last year but I want to get better, so that’s one of my main focuses this offseason.”
Is there a current NFL player that you try to model your game after?
“I try to model my game around Earl Thomas IV and Tyrann Mathieu.”
What do you like most about playing your positions?
“I’m an athlete, I’ll play anywhere. I play free safety and wide receiver mostly. My favorite part about playing receiver is scoring touchdowns and celebrating with my team. What I like most about playing free safety is just being the quarterback of the defense. I can’t forget about the tackling; I love to come down and lay a hit.”
Do you have any college offers?
“Yes, from Washburn University.”
Are there any other schools showing you interest at this time?
“University of Central Missouri, Pittsburg State, University of South Dakota, North Dakota State University, Butler University, University of Kansas, Quincy University and a few others.”
Have you been to any college camps?
“Just a couple.”
Do you have any pregame rituals?
“I don’t believe I have any pregame rituals. I just like to get a great warm-up in and work up a sweat and pray.”
What is your fastest 40-yard dash?
“My fastest 40-yard dash is a 4.5.”
Do you play any other sports in high school?
“In high school I play basketball and run track. In basketball, I play the small forward position and in track I run the 400 and the 800.”
What is your favorite subject in school and why?
“My favorite subject in school is math. Math is my favorite subject because I’m really good with numbers and I find it entertaining to deal with numbers.”
What is your GPA?
“My GPA is a 3.3.”
What do you like most about playing at Grandview High School?
“The brotherhood and bond that my teammates and I built. It’s been really special just getting to know my teammates on a different level.”
Do you have a favorite quote?
“Once you know what failure feels like, determination chases success.”
Thank you for your time and good luck in your senior season.
“Thank you, sir.”
Photo credit: Twitter.com; Grandview ATH Reginald King Jr