Top photos of Chargers fifth-round pick Desmond King in action at Iowa.
Iowa defensive back Desmond King gets set for a play during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Iowa State, Saturday, Sept. 10, 2016, in Iowa City, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Iowa defensive back Desmond King runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine Monday, March 6, 2017, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Iowa defensive back Desmond King, right, breaks up a pass intended for Michigan wide receiver Amara Darboh (82) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 12, 2016, in Iowa City, Iowa. Iowa won 14-13. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Iowa defensive back Desmond King (14) and Florida defensive back Duke Dawson (7) during the first half of the Outback Bowl NCAA college football game Monday, Jan. 2, 2017, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Iowa defensive back Desmond King runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine Monday, March 6, 2017, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
North squad cornerback Desmond King of Iowa (14) lines up for a play during the first half of the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game, Saturday, Jan. 28, 2017, at Ladd-Peebles Stadium in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Iowa cornerback Desmond King (14) catches a pass during practice for Saturday's Senior Bowl college football game, Thursday, Jan. 26, 2017, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Minutes after being selected in the fifth round, defensive back Desmond King called Chargers.com to give his first interview as a member of the Los Angeles Chargers:
Chargers.com:Welcome to the Chargers! Can you give fans a glimpse into what is going through your mind right now?
King:Really, that this is an opportunity. That is all I'm looking for. I'm ready to get there and get to work.
Chargers.com:So many thought you'd be off the board well before day three began, let alone the fifth round. What was that like for you?
King:It was a relief to get that call. They are giving me the opportunity, and I can't take that for granted. I have to come in there and reward them for that.
Chargers.com:Give us a quick scouting report on Desmond King. What do you bring to the table?
King:I am someone who is going to get out there and give it my all. I'll bring leadership, and I'll (mix it up) in run support. Then I want to get an opportunity on special teams to show what I can do as a returner.
Chargers.com:You won the Jim Thorpe Award as the top defensive back in the country in 2015. What areas do you need to improve upon to make the same impact as a rookie in the NFL?
King:There is always room to get better in everything. I want to improve my whole skillset. I think that is what you have to do to be successful. So I want to improve everything.
Chargers.com:Who do you model your game after? Who inspires you?
King:I have to say Darrelle Revis. He is the guy I compare myself to with the size, speed and playmaking ability.
Chargers.com:Some pundits have you listed as a safety. Some cornerback. We have you listed as a defensive back so what is your approach heading in here as a rookie? Do you have a preference?
King:I want to play a little bit of both. At this point right now I really don't know how they plan to use me. Whatever position it is, I just want to get in there and learn right now.
Chargers.com:You have another rookie defensive back you can lean on in our fourth-round pick, Rayshawn Jenkins. Have you thought about how beneficial that will be as a young player going through this transition?
King:It will be really helpful. Just knowing there is someone there with you going through the same process, and they can walk through it with you; it's big. I hope we have a lot of success and learn together.
Chargers.com:Finally, I always want to give our picks a chance to speak to their new fans for the first time. What do you want to tell Chargers fans out there?
King:I am a hard worker. I want my first message to be that I am someone who is going to go out there and give it 110% every day.
