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- D’Eriq King was once a dark horse Heisman Trophy candidate at quarterback.
- However, after struggling with injury, he understands that his future in the NFL may not be under center.
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When it comes to 2022 NFL Draft prospects, D’Eriq King is one of the most unique. The 24-year-old played six years of quarterback at Houston and Miami, but was plagued by injury and never got the chance to live up to his potential.
King is in Indianapolis for the NFL Combine this week and he is considered to be a fifth or sixth round pick. Regardless of where he is projected to be selected, there is interest around the league from teams that might want to take a late-round flier on a potential hidden gem.
The injury history has made King very difficult to evaluate, but there is no denying his athleticism. During the 2018 season, he threw for 2,982 yards with 36 touchdowns and just six interceptions, adding 674 yards and 14 touchdowns on the ground that year.
However, from that point on, he never had the chance to play at full strength.
King played just four games in 2019 before transferring to Miami and being considered a dark horse Heisman Trophy candidate. He put up solid numbers with the Hurricanes in 2020 before tearing his ACL, and then struggled with multiple injuries and did not play much in 2021.
As a result, King’s health is a question and his fit in the NFL is up in the air.
There is always the chance that King could surprise everybody and blossom into a solidified NFL starting quarterback if given the right opportunity in the right system. However, at only 5-foot-11, 200 pounds, and considering his recent history, he is more than likely going to need to adapt to a new role on the next level.
King knows that he has work to do and is going to try and show his versatility at the NFL Combine this week.
Intriguing prospect to watch at the Combine this week: Miami QB D’Eriq King. He will throw with the quarterbacks with his group and then run routes as a receiver with another group. He began his college career as a receiver at Houston.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 2, 2022
In addition, he recently spoke about the idea of changing positions on the ‘Gramlich and Mac Lain’ podcast. Many college quarterbacks are not open to the idea, but King is willing to embrace any opportunity to make it in the NFL. He’s a grinder. He wants to play ball.
“It’s difficult. I’ve played quarterback my whole life,” King said. “But at this point in my career, I just love football so much that I want to play for as long as I can. … I was advised to just do whatever I can, really. Whether that’s kick returns, catch punts receivers, special teams, play quarterback — do anything I can to show value.”
Here are his full comments:
Just make a team. That’s what it’s about in the #NFL. The more you can do, listen in to D’Eriq King discuss his approach to this mindset.
👑 https://t.co/iinmByfsdd pic.twitter.com/S6fyo52c6x
— Eric Mac Lain (@EricMacLain) March 1, 2022