Timberland senior trying to make sure his last season is memorable

Alan Hawes
The Post and Courier

Timberland’s Rockarius King

Rockarius King proved he was human last fall, a year removed from rushing for more than 2,600 and scoring 33 touchdowns.

Slowed by injuries that made him miss parts of four games, King managed only 1,709 yards on the ground and 20 scores during the 2007 season.

"I think what happens is when you have someone so talented have success so early, you get used to it," Timberland coach Art Craig said. "When he doesn't have a great run, or fumbles, you ask yourself, 'What's wrong?' It was like that in the Bishop England

game when he fumbled two times. It was like the end of the world."

In reality, it was the beginning of the end for the Bishops in that game. King eventually ripped off a 76-yard touchdown run and finished with 209 yards rushing to send the Bishops to their first loss of the season.

"That's a pretty good game for most people," Craig said. "He led the state in rushing for the first five or six games and then he got banged up, and we made some changes in our offense. Last year, Rockarius had a full class schedule and didn't get to lift weights. I think the year wore on him. I think not lifting weights took a toll on him. This year, he's strong and healthy. He's benched 360 pounds and squats 475 to 500 pounds."

King showed promise as early as his eighth-grade season when he played on the Wolves' B team.

"They played Summerville and lost in three overtimes," Craig said. "Rockarius scored something like five touchdowns. We were like, 'All right, we'll wait for this kid to come up to the varsity.' He's held true to that form ever since he joined the program."

King's was superb as a sophomore. He rushed for more than 2,600 yards and his 33 touchdowns led the Lowcountry. The Wolves went 13-2 and reached the state championship game.

The Wolves might not have made it to Columbia if not for King. In a playoff game against Myrtle Beach, King converted three fourth downs into first downs and capped an 18-play, 80-yard drive with a 2-yard touchdown run with just over a minute left in the third quarter to give the Wolves a 24-20 victory.

King also played well in the state title game against Blythewood, carrying 34 times for 159 yards and scoring TDs on runs of 4, 8 and 4 yards. But it wasn't enough, as the Wolves lost a 23-21 decision on the final play of the game.

Last year, the Wolves' bid to return to Columbia ended with a loss in the second round.

"It was a major disappointment," King said. "It's rare to go back-to-back, but we had our chances."

King doesn't have any statistical goals heading into the season. His only focus is helping the team win.

"The No. 1 goal is to go to the state championship and to win it this time," King said. "That's my goal, the team's goal, the coaches' goal and the fans' goal. That's our No. 1 goal."