Deon King led all 254 Division I football schools in tackles last season, averaging 14.8 per game.
He was Norfolk State’s first consensus Football Championship Subdivision All-American and the first Spartan to win the Buck Buchanan award, given to the top FCS defensive player.
But the 6-foot-1, 235 linebacker is taking no chances that the NFL will overlook him. He worked out for three hours Wednesday at Old Dominion’s pro day and was clearly the most impressive prospect on display.
After an ice bath, and a good night’s sleep, he’ll do it all over again today at William & Mary’s pro day.
“Scouts have told me that I have talent, but they think I’m a little slow,” he said. “I want to let them know that I’m fast, can move around, that I’m athletic.”
Mission accomplished. King ran a 4.6 40 and looked quick in a variety of agility drills and individual workouts.
Only three NFL scouts – from Dallas, Kansas City and Washington – participated. That’s down from the 16 who watched quarterback Taylor Heinicke and wide receivers Larry Pinkard and Antonio Vaughan work out a year ago. It was the smallest turnout ODU has ever had .
King said if given a true chance, he’ll make it in the NFL.
“I feel like I did well today,” he said. “I ran fast and moved my feet well.
“I can play with anybody.”