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P.O. Male Athlete of the Week: Ian King


When people talk about Shippensburg's linebacking crew, they are typically talking Cameron Tinner.

But Friday night, there was one linebacker whom the announcer couldn't stop talking about - Ian King. Especially in the second quarter of the Greyhounds' key win over Mifflin County, it felt like "Ian King on the tackle" was set on repeat.

He finished the night with 20 tackles, including nine solo stops, and he is the Public Opinion Male Athlete of the Week.

"I just started talking everyone up, and I was really determined not to lose," King said. "I think we all decided as a group that quarter that we were leaving 6-0. Being down, we felt a little bit a pressure, but nothing that was too bad that we couldn't handle it."

Ship coach Eric Foust said, "Against (Mifflin County), I was pretty pleased with how we played defensively, especially Ian. I talked to him today and told him I thought this was the best game I've seen him play in two years. He was one of many who played really well for us."

King, who stands at 5-foot-10, 165 pounds, isn't a big linebacker, especially when compared to Tinner (6-2, 224). But King and fellow outside LB Dylan Jumper (5-10, 163) have helped make Shippensburg's defense a serious force this season.

"(Ian) works hard in the offseason," Foust said. "He's a tough kid, and he stands his ground. Really, he and Jumper have both come along as the year has gone on. I honestly don't know what's brought it about, but they're both playing really good football right now."

And it might be a benefit to King that he doesn't always get the spotlight.

"I feel like it's good that I don't get a lot of attention," King said, "then people don't focus on me."

Foust said, "Ian started there last year, so playing the same position has worked well for him. He's very comfortable. Both he and Jumper have found their niche and their roles, and (Ian) knows what he's doing."

For the season, King has 55 tackles (9.2 per game), including 28 solo tackles and three for a loss.

Ian King, Shippensburg

Sport: Football

Grade: Senior

Position: Outside linebacker

Size: 5-foot-10, 165 pounds

Parents: Dolores Geiser and John King.

Other interests: Ian also enjoys hunting and fishing.

Surprising fact: He works two jobs in addition to going to school and playing football.

Favorite team: Philadelphia Eagles.

Athlete most admired: Fellow Greyhound linebacker Cameron Tinner.

Statistics: King amassed 20 tackles in Shippensburg's key win over Mifflin County on Friday ... 9 of those were solo; 11 assisted ... He assisted on a tackle for a loss and had one pass breakup.