Damion King IV has etched his name into the history of De La Salle football as one of its all-time greats, defying expectations with his smaller stature. Standing at approximately 5-foot-7 and weighing around 145 pounds, King showcases immense heart, determination, speed, and skill on the field.
Despite a rocky start this season with a record of 1-5, De La Salle has rallied to not only qualify for the Division 2 playoffs but also clinch a district championship, marking the school”s eighth in nine years. King, who plays both as a slot receiver and an all-purpose back, embodies resilience, often motivating his teammates to rise above challenges. “I always say don”t look at the outside and don”t look at the haters and the doubters,” King remarked. “We just stay focused on what we got going on, stay resilient. We”re going to face adversity, but you have to stay focused and keep working.”
As the Pilots prepare for a regional finals matchup against the fifth-ranked Detroit King, King continues to prove his worth on the field. He decided to take a break from track last year to concentrate on his football career and is uncertain if he will participate in track this spring. Recently, he committed to Ferris State University, one of the top NCAA Division II programs, and looks forward to following the guidance of their coaching staff.
“I may just work out and put on more muscle,” King shared regarding his spring plans. “If the coaches want me to run, that is what I”m going to do.” His recruitment journey included interest from numerous NCAA Division I, II, and III schools, but he is relieved to have made a decision and plans to sign later this school year.
Football has been King”s passion since he was around four years old. He quickly advanced from middle school football to varsity as a freshman at De La Salle, where he contributed to the team”s success, including a state championship victory during his freshman year. In the following seasons, King helped the Pilots reach the finals and the regional finals, showing his capacity to compete at high levels.
This year, despite a decrease in enrollment placing De La Salle in Division 3, the team”s aspirations remain high. They have faced a tough schedule but find themselves in the Elite Eight once again. “He has just about every receiving record at the school, and the ones he doesn”t he”s right there,” said Dan Rohn, head coach of De La Salle. “The kid is an amazing talent. He”s had to work through some injuries in his career, but he”s been a big part of what we do. He”s been All-State and just about everything else during his career here.”
King”s accolades include All-State honors from various organizations, and he is expected to be recognized again this season. Rohn expressed his belief in King”s potential: “Ever since I met Damion, I knew he had the opportunity to be really, really good. He”s battled through some injuries the past two years but hasn”t given up. He”s done some amazing things on the field and still has more to prove.”
With the regional title match against Detroit King on the horizon, King and his teammates are focused on their goals, including a state semifinal win and a shot at the state title during Thanksgiving weekend at Ford Field. “We still have something to prove,” King stated confidently. “I know we are a young team, but everything we have been through this year has made us stronger. We want to make it to the state finals again and try to win another championship.” If the Pilots achieve victory, the smallest player on the field could very well become a “King.”
