While most players usually excel at one position, the Westfield High junior running back and defensive back has proven to be a force on both sides of the gridiron.
"I enjoy it a lot because I'm able to build relationships with coaches and players on both sides of the team," explained the 6-foot-1, 200-pound standout. "This opportunity has helped me gain an understanding of what the entire team needs which will help me at the next level."
A valuable contributor in the secondary as a sophomore for the Shamrocks with 70 tackles, including 2.5 for loss, one fumble recovery, and an interception, King has now put his feet to good use on the offensive side this fall.
Along with carrying the ball 145 times for 919 yards with 13 touchdowns and four receptions for 80 yards and another score, he has also tallied 25 tackles, an interception, and a fumble recovery.
"In the beginning, it was getting used to the conditioning," recalled King. "But now, it's more of understanding both sides of the ball as compared to just an offensive or defensive scheme."
Being counted on to produce at both positions, Deacon has learned to keep his emotions balanced and in check.
"I try to take it one play at a time," King said. "Any mistakes made in the play before are learned from and flushed. I try not to dwell on past mistakes too much during the game."
Since acquiring a passion for athletics when was three years old, he has turned to his father for guidance and developed a plan of attack to keep himself sharp both physically and mentally.
"I try to stretch and workout harder earlier in the week along with watching smaller playlists of film," explained King. "As the week goes on, I start focusing more on understanding the team the closer it gets to the game.
"During the off-season, I will have speed and agility training on the weekdays and position specific training and field work on the weekends."
Developing a routine has also benefited him in the classroom as well.
"I try to give myself at least an hour each night dedicated to sports and school work specifically," said King, who maintains a 3.1 grade-point average.
Although participants in bigger programs primarily focus on one side of the field, he has been the exception to this theory.
"Deacon has made tremendous strides during his junior year," said first-year Westfield coach Josh Miracle. "He has put the team first through his willingness to play both safety and running back at the Class 6A level. As a staff, we appreciate Deacon's physical style of play. All the extra time he puts into learning both the offensive and defensive game plans for the week has paid off. He also continues to have a humble attitude in the midst of being heavily recruited."
Getting some words of wisdom from his new boss has also benefited Deacon.
"It has been great playing for Coach Miracle," King said. "He has helped me a lot with my confidence on and off the field."
Having received some interest from several NCAA Division One programs, including Notre Dame, King likes the attention, but also understands there is always room for improvement.
"I want to play college football at the Division one level at a school that I have a good relationship with their staff as well as the current players on their roster," King said. "I have enjoyed getting to build relationships with these new coaches and gaining their insights on what I need to work on.
"I think some of my strengths are my physical play and vision, but some things I need to work on include becoming more agile with the ball and on defense making more plays on the ball."
After coming up short of making it to Lucas Oil Stadium a year ago with a heartbreaking 38-31 double-overtime loss to eventual Class 6A state runner-up Crown Point in the northern semistate, King and company are ready to redeem themselves.
The No. 3 Shamrocks (9-1) will try to accomplish the first phase of their mission on November 8 when they host Zionsville (4-6) for the Class 6A Sectional 3 crown.
"We don't mind playing with a target on our backs," explained King. "It makes us work harder due to everyone needing and wanting to beat us."
