Longview senior quarterback Haynes King is considered by many to be Texas’ top player at the position this year.
Many scouts and analysts describe King, who stands 6-foot-2-inches and weighs 185 pounds, as a dual-threat signal-caller who can accurately connect with his targets in all areas. He helped his head coach and father, John King, win a state championship as a junior and entered his senior season with a verbal commitment to Texas A&M.
“He has a unique skill set,” John King told Texas Scorecard. “He’s very athletic and throws the ball well. He’s an intelligent player who can do a little bit of everything.”
With the younger King as their field general for the third consecutive year, the Lobos continue their winning ways from last December. Longview defeated district foe Rockwall, 49-3, on Sept. 27 on the strength of the five-star quarterback’s six touchdowns – one pass and five rushes – to be 5-0 overall as of press time.
“It was just a night where they gave us some stuff in the quarterback run game we took advantage of,” the coach said. “We weren’t clicking on all cylinders in the passing game, so we decided to run a little bit more.”
While King can keep the ball and accelerate at the sight of a hole, he does plenty of damage through the air. During the 2018 championship season, the future Aggie tossed for nearly 3,900 yards and 42 touchdowns against just four interceptions.
His father said that the QB has great relationships with his teammates and coaches.
“He’s earned their respect because nobody works harder than he does whether it’s offseason, in practice or in the game,” John King said. “He’s a great teammate. Always willing to help out his fellow teammates. It’s never been about him, and the exposure he’s received kind of embarrasses him. He’s kind of the shy kid who loves being on the team and playing a team game.”
Having raised him for nearly 18 years, the coach added that King has always been drawn to football since he learned to walk.
The signal-caller says he chose Texas A&M for two reasons: head coach Jimbo Fisher and the “Aggie Network.” Though King does not have a major in mind, he wants to be a coach in the future.
King’s prowess under center has earned him a bevy of accolades and accomplishments, but it is the Class 6A Division II state championship that accentuates his three-year career at Longview.
“All the chips were on the table on the biggest stage of all,” John King said. “He had an outstanding ballgame running, throwing and leading our football team. It was not just him, but he made sure he executed his assignment. The stage wasn’t too big for him.”
According to the coach, his counterparts have raved to him about his son’s leadership skills and ability to extend plays with his legs.
It is a given that King will be missed at his own home when he heads off for College Station, but what John King is going to miss about having his son play for him are the times he would stop by his office before classes and after practice.
“I’m tough on him, but when we leave the athletic realm, he knows it’s over as far as ‘Coach;’ I’m now ‘Daddy,’” the coach said. “I enjoy having him around, getting on the bus after the game and have him sit behind me and talk. Not everybody gets to experience that. It’s been pretty special, particularly when you win. A lot of things are fine when you win, but to do it with your son is icing on the cake.”
John King believes that his son will be remembered in Longview for his modesty and friendliness. The younger King does not hesitate to say hello or take a selfie with a fan, as well as happily celebrate a win with the Lobos even if he performs disappointingly.
“He’s friends with all,” the coach said. “We have a diverse football team. Race, socio-economic status, it doesn’t matter to him. He’s friends with them all, and he’s enjoyed his high school experience.”
