Name: Ryan King
School: University of St. Francis
Position: DT/LS
Height: 6-1
Weight: 285

Q: What goals did you set and/or accomplish in your final collegiate season? 

My goal was to earn and retain my starting position on the defensive line and long snapper. Once done so, I then moved to team accolades and that included being over .500, winning a conference championship, and doing whatever the team needed me to do to be successful. We went 7-3 and lost by 3 in the conference championship game, and I worked with the offensive line when asked to. Following that I hoped to repeat as a first team all league and I did at defensive line. Even though I accomplished some goals, I did fall short of two goals of becoming an All-American and Conference champion.

Q: What would your coaches and teammates say about the type of player you are?

My coaches and teammates would say that I am a natural born leader who holds everyone accountable. They would say I have a strong work ethic and a competitive person who would do anything to help the team win from playing scouts, special teams, and other positions.

Q: When you are studying film, what are the things you focus on to improve your game?

When studying film about myself, I focus on my fundamentals and little things that some may overlook. Playing defensive line it’s all about footwork, hip movement, hand placement and leverage. Now when watching film of the other team I try to watch each individual offensive lineman picking up tendencies, from down and distance, to pass/run. I spend about 8 to 10 hours a week on the opposing team learning what they like in certain situations to give myself an edge come game day.

Q: What separates you from the other pro prospects at your position? 

I would say my versatility, I’ve played numerous positions and have the size and drive to play anywhere a team would want me to. I’ve played the entire defensive/offensive line and long snapper during my football career. To continue, I consider myself a film junkie and take notes about the box and special teams each week with detailed reports of each guy out there. I reflect on my own game at the end of each week, and write up drills for areas of improvement for the following week.

Q: What is your offseason plan to train and prepare for professional opportunities?

I have great resources around me with the strength and conditioning program at the University of St. Francis, so I’ll continue to work with them to improve my craft for my upcoming combines. On top of that, I’ll be working with a former power 5 long snapper and coach to improve my technique. My offseason goal is to become more explosive in the lower half, and to get faster!

Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?

I believe that I bring a variety of skills to the team that chooses me. I have a high football IQ and truly understand the defensive game plan and know where everyone should be. Moving forward, I have played the entire defensive line in both a four and 3 man front in college, while also participating on punt, field goal, and punt/field goal block. In terms of the offensive line, when our team was battling injuries and in covid season I was repping LG & RG gaining more experience and knowledge about each position. Lastly, my greatest strength is being able to be violent and very physical! I consider myself a run stopper and someone who blows up the line of scrimmage and people on blocking assignments for special teams.

Q: What is your final pitch to the NFL and any other pro leagues?

If you take a chance on me, you’ll be getting someone who is dedicated to the game and will do anything to make the team better. Outside of football, I am a special education teacher. So collaboration, teamwork, and social skills is something that I pride myself on and would have a huge impact on a team. Being able to communicate and modify information given and break it down to a level of understanding for an individual would be great to have in a locker room.