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Lanett offensive lineman Christopher King will be taking his talents to Iowa Western Community College. The senior signed his commitment letter on Thursday in front of friends and family in the high school’s gym.

“It means a lot, I get to play the sport that I loved growing up,” King said.

Iowa Western is one of the top JUCO programs in the country. Last year, over 30 of its players signed with Division 1 programs, according to Lanett head coach RJ McDonald. The NCAA ruled last year that JUCO players will receive four years of eligibility if they transfer into D1.

Because of this, Lanett head coach RJ McDonald said many high-caliber high school players are opting for junior college instead of going straight to D1 for more playing time. Both King and Alajawon Whitfield, who also signed to a JUCO on Tuesday, had D1 offers. 

“In JUCO, you do your two years and then you can transfer and still have four years of eligibility to go D1, so that’s why I chose that route,” King said. 

The lineman said Iowa Western was an easy choice because of their ability to develop Division 1 athletes, something he hopes to become. 

“It’s a good program. They develop a lot of D1 kids…The coaches. Really loved me, and he really wanted to come play,” King said smiling. 

The senior will likely play center for the Reivers. He played all along the O-Line for the Panthers, slotting in where needed.  

McDonald was unsurprised by King and Whitfield’s signing on to play at the next level.

“[Whitfield and King are] real quiet kids. They have good heads on their shoulders. They have great support systems, especially in JUCO you got to have that because it can be tough at times because you do have to get off [to other states] because Alabama doesn’t have them.”

King reflected on his time as a member of the storied Lanett Panthers football team saying, “This school, it’s a championship school, and really helped to build me to become who I am today.”