Ticats King staying healthy

The Hamilton Tiger-Cats have battled injuries at almost every position for the entire year, but no area has been hit harder by the injury bug than the defensive secondary.

Natalie Marconi has the details.

The Ticats have started a different backfield every week this season. Now in week 13, a rookie defensive back Neil King will get his first opportunity to prove to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats that, much like Run DMC, they too should be down with the king.

After suffering lower body injuries in training camp, and during the season, rookie draft-pick Neil King has fought-back successfully each time, and has impressed his coaches, in four games this season: “Being drafted, you get noticed as a potential impact player and that’s a goal I set for myself; making plays, getting on the field, and having a successful first year in the league.”

And he couldn’t have picked a better time to start making an impact.

The Tiger-Cats might have been beaten by the Stamps last week, but Head Coach Kent Austin sees King’s ability to run-down players and prove that he is a valuable asset: “He’s an old school football player, a true football player. Runs, tackles, unbelievable effort, loves the game, he’s a hitter. He’s highly competitive, loves his teammates. He’s gonna have a really good, long career.”

And that talent runs in the family; Neil’s older brother Ryan is a long snapper, in his second year with the Eskimos.

Both St. Mary’s products, Neil is really looking forward to making his first start this weekend in Moncton.

“St. Mary’s plays on Friday night, so I’m gonna go see those guys. And some are gonna try and watch our game on Saturday, so it should be awesome.”

And even better if the Cats can pull out a win.