A Liberty County High School football player won’t have to get used to a new mascot next year after verbally committing on Monday to play for the Georgia State University Panthers.
Liberty’s weak-side defensive end, Melvin King, said he verbally committed to Georgia State over the phone. King, who is 6-foot-4, 220 pounds, said he sent highlight videos from the past two seasons to the recruiting staff.
According to Rivals.com, King is the 11th person from the class of 2012 to verbally committ to Georgia State, which is a second-year program coached by Bill Curry.
“It’s exciting because I always wanted a scholarship to attend college,” King said.
King had 51 tackles, 1.5 sacks and deflected four passes last season as the Panthers’ defensive end. He played tight end as well and clocked a 4.75 in the 40-yard dash.
Next fall, King will join former Bradwell Institute players Ulrick John and Deron Jordan, who are entering their sophomore seasons at Georgia State, and freshman David Miller, a preferred walk-on punter.
“It’s nice to know that I won’t be alone and that there are people there I already know,” King said.
He said he wants to study engineering and business at the school, which is located in downtown Atlanta.
King said he’s been hard at work all summer lifting weights, staying conditioned and preparing for his final season in high school.
He said committing to Georgia State allowed him to focus on his senior season.
“The stress is off my mind,” he said.