Rutgers football landed defensive end Elijah King to their 2024 recruiting class when the Ohio native provided his verbal commitment on Thursday.
On June 2, King visited the Scarlet Knights, and communication with the three-star recruit never stopped. The 6-foot-6, 230-pound defensive end is ranked No. 31 in Ohio and No. 64 among edge rushers in his recruiting class, according to On3.
King, from Gahanna, OH, received 19 offers and visited Purdue last weekend. The three-star prospect had a visit scheduled with Indiana but is off now that King is all in on being a Scarlet Knight. With his commitment, King is the first Ohio recruit in the Rutgers 2024 class.
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In 2022, King guided Lincoln High School (Ohio) to a 13-2 record and are the No. 12 school in the state.
Film Breakdown
Watching King’s film from last season, you notice he is an all-around solid player. King offers excellent pass-rush moves and can maintain gap responsibility during running plays. He fires off the ball with good pad leverage and uses violent hands to cause penetration in the backfield.
King has a high football IQ, knowing to maintain outside leverage when playing the edge position. Opposing offensive linemen can’t seal the edge because of King’s hand placement and technique. The new Scarlet Knight uses his length to help him shed opposing blockers.
His quickness and speed are King’s strengths when playing defensive end. The three-star prospect is quick off the ball, causing havoc in the offensive backfield.
King’s ability to take on double teams might be an issue as he develops into a Power Five player. At times, King does get pushed back when opposing linemen double-team him. Being only 230 pounds, King is on the lighter side for a defensive end in the Big Ten Conference.
When King arrives on campus, head coach Greg Schiano will have him in the weight room to put on some size. King is a solid addition to Rutgers football as he has all the characteristics of becoming a standout Power Five player.
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