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Detroit (Mich.) Cass Technical 2021 four-star cornerback Kalen King doesn’t live far from the University of Michigan. It has a “blueprint” that fits everything he stands for as a person and football player.
Some might describe the bond as a perfect match between King and an institution he grew up admiring, but he understands it’s only part of the evaluation process.
And he doesn’t want to rush anything, even despite the coronavirus that has caused the NCAA to call an in-person recruiting dead period through April 15.
“All the schools that have offered me stand out,” King told WolverinesWire. “Michigan speaks for itself, has the blueprint and is not far from home.”
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The 5-foot-11, 170-pound defensive back has 33 offers, including from Michigan, Michigan State, Wisconsin, Penn State, Pittsburgh, Missouri, Minnesota, Kentucky, Louisville, Iowa, Iowa State, Colorado and Arkansas.
King’s relationship with Michigan stems directly from the way head coach Jim Harbaugh treats him. They spoke on the phone Wednesday to stay in contact even though COVID-19 has made it impossible for recruits and coaches to meet.
“Those are my guys,” he said of U-M’s staff. “I’ve been talking to the staff for a while.”
Being that Michigan was King’s first “big offer,” as he described it, the cornerback said the Wolverines will always hold a special place in his heart.
“It feels different because they surprised me when they offered,” King said. “I feel as if they really want me as a recruit and person.”
The coronavirus has led King to wonder if he should commit early or wait until later. Right now, he doesn’t know what to do.
He’s leaned heavily on his former teammates Devin Nicholson and Jalen Graham for advice. Nicholson plays for Missouri, while Graham is at Purdue.
“They’re just asking as mentors for me during the process,” King said.
King is ranked No. 327 in the nation, No. 24 at cornerback and No. 10 in Michigan, according to the 247Sports composite.
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