UKIAH, Calif. – On Wednesday Mendocino College sophomore student-athlete Jamar King, signed to play football with Alabama Crimson Tide.

At this time, King is only one of two recruits signed from California, and the only community college recruit.

King played the 2014 and 2015 seasons for the Mendocino College Eagles football team, under Head Coach Frank Espy. He played on the defensive line for the Eagles.

King was named to the Bay Valley Conference All-Conference Team both seasons. Additionally, he was named to the California Community Colleges All-California Region II First Team Defense in 2015 and named the Region’s Defensive Player of the Year.

King is a two-sport athlete at Mendocino College in football and basketball, although his contributions to the football program at Mendocino College are most impressive.

King ranked first among Bay Valley Conference players in total tackles for loss, total yards for loss, and second in total sacks for the 2015 season.

King is excited about transferring to Alabama, “I’m looking forward stepping up to a higher level when playing for the Crimson Tide. The competition will be great and I will need to work hard. I’m very happy with the decision I made.”

As part of the recruiting process, King was visited by Nick Saban on the Mendocino College Campus on Jan. 18. This was followed up by King visiting Alabama as the Crimson Tide celebrated their national championship win earlier this year.

“The decision making process was very difficult for me,” said King. “While all the visits were fun, it is a stressful time as you receive calls, e-mails, and visits from coaches from across the country. I prayed and thought long and hard about my decision before making my final choice. In the end, I think it is the best option for my future as a student and an athlete.”

Excitement was in the air on Wednesday as King prepared to sign the paperwork, committing himself to play for the No. 1 ranked team in the country.

King’s teammates as well as Mendocino College staff joined in the room in support of him. As everyone waited for the last few attendees to arrive, White accepted a phone call from defensive coordinator, and his future coach, Jeremy Pruitt, at Alabama.

“I’m incredibly proud of this young man,” said Espy. “This is an excellent day for the Mendocino Football Program and the College. Jamar really earned this and I am so happy for him. He is living proof that you can come to Mendocino College and make things happen!”

King, a 2008 graduate of Denby High School in Detroit, Mich., came to Mendocino College with high hopes and dreams – and today he is living them.

As many of his teammates came together in support of him he couldn’t help but say, “I give my greatest thanks to Coach Espy, he has put in a lot of hard work, time, effort and dedication to our team. Without him, I wouldn’t be here. My teammates were my rock this season and last, they make me look good, we are all a family on the field and off.”

King will complete his time at Mendocino College in May before heading to Alabama.

He is hoping to obtain his degree in criminal justice while playing for the Alabama Crimson Tide.