The Silent Assassin leads by example

Senior Camden King is only 5'9" 160 pounds, but he's every bit a team leader on Vista del Lago's football team. Nicknamed the Silent Assassin because of his silent yet effective play, King leads by example. On the season, King, who plays free safety, has made a team-high 27 solo tackles and has been in on a total of 43 tackles, fourth-most on the team. King is also first on the team with six interceptions. "Cam is a player who truly leads through example," Vista coach Kyle Landes said. "If we get five words out of him at practice it's a rare occasion, but he speaks through his play and dedication." Folsom Telegraph: What are your hopes/plans for after graduation? Camden King: I plan to go to a four-year college and then get a stable job after. FT: Do sports run in your family? CK: Yes, Both of my parents played sports in high school and so did my brother. My dad played football for a high-ranked high school team, mom was voted most athletic female in high school, and my brother was a great football player at Vista a few years ago. FT: How long have you been playing football and how did you get your start in it? CK: This is my eighth year of playing football. I started to play because my brother was playing and was having a great time. I wanted to follow in his footsteps. FT: Have you ever been involved in any other sports? CK: When I was younger I used to play baseball, soccer, lacrosse, and basketball. I'm considering playing lacrosse again this spring. FT: What do you enjoy about football? CK: I love the brotherhood and excitement I feel when I'm on the field. There's nothing better than that feeling. FT: You are listed at 5'9", 160 pounds; not the biggest of players. Have you ever been hurt playing football? CK: I haven't had any major injuries but I actually just hurt my ankle in the game on Friday. FT: You play free safety. Describe what your job is? CK: My job as a safety is to make sure nothing gets past me and to defend against the pass. I also come down as run support when needed. FT: What's your favorite thing to do? Give a receiver a hard hit, make a tackle, or pick off a pass? CK: It always feels good to intercept a pass, but giving the receiver a hard hit is also a great feeling. FT: Coach Werpy calls you the silent assassin. How did you get that nickname and do you like it? CK: I believe I got the nickname because I'm pretty quiet but I take care of business on the football field. I think it's a pretty fitting name. FT: You team is having a great season. What makes this year's team so good? CK: The chemistry and work ethic is off the charts this year. We are all coming together for our singular goal and that makes us want to succeed. FT: What does the team have to do to achieve its goals this season? CK: We have to be locked in and can't take anything for granted. We know our goal and will do anything we can to achieve it. FT: Do you have a favorite genre of music or a favorite singer/group/rapper? CK: My favorite musical artist would probably have to be Frank Ocean. FT: Favorite food? CK: I've loved sushi ever since I was little. FT: Do you have any pets? Tell us about them. CK: I have a dog, but she is a family member. Her name is Maddyn (named after John Madden) and is a half boxer, half German Shepherd. FT: Do you have any hobbies? What do you like to do in your free time? CK: I like to watch sports and hang out with my friends whenever I have free time. FT: What inspires you in sports? CK: My favorite athlete growing up was Kobe Bryant and his mentality is what inspires me to be the best version of myself that I can be. FT: What job or profession do you hope to have some day? CK: I am still deciding about what I want to do as my profession in the future.