When Mercyhurst University made the transition from the Division II to the DI ranks a few years ago, numerous athletes realized their dream of playing at the highest level of college athletics. Among those Lakers was Jonas King, who was previously a standout on the gridiron at Mount Pleasant Area. King, now in his fifth season with the Mercyhurst football team, is under the microscope for this installment of the Westmoreland Alum Q&A.

In King’s freshman year at Mount Pleasant Area, the Vikings went 4-6 overall, including 3-4 in conference play, missing the WPIAL playoffs. The next year, King played receiver and linebacker, as the Vikings sputtered to a 2-8 mark, including 2-6 in the conference, again failing to qualify for postseason play.

As a junior in 2019, King caught a dozen passes for 190 yards, scoring a touchdown. The Vikings ascended to 5-6, including 4-4 in the conference. Thus, they reached the WPIAL Class 3A playoffs, but lost to Central Valley in the quarterfinals to conclude the campaign.

In his senior season, King compiled five carries for 25 yards. Playing an abbreviated schedule due to COVID, the Vikings registered a record of 4-4, including 4-2 in the conference. Mount Pleasant dropped a postseason contest to North Catholic in the Class 3A quarterfinals to end the season.

In addition to his football exploits, King also competed in basketball and baseball at Mount Pleasant Area.

His future was on the gridiron, however, as he matriculated to Mercyhurst University as a linebacker for the 2021 season. That season, King appeared in two games, but failed to register any stats. The Lakers went 4-7 overall, including 3-4 in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) West.

In 2022, King again played in two contests, but did not record any statistics. Mercyhurst collectively struggled, as the Lakers compiled an overall record of 2-9, including 0-6 in the conference.

The next year, King participated in six contests, recording four tackles. The Lakers once again went 2-9, including 1-6 in the PSAC West. The 2024 campaign was marked by change, both for King and the Lakers. After previously playing linebacker, King shifted to defensive line. The move paid dividends, as he appeared in 10 games, notching 19 tackles, one sack, and a pass defensed. Collectively, the Lakers moved up to Division I, and went 4-7 on the year.

Opting to use his final year of eligibility, King returned to the Lakers this season. Thus far, he’s played in all five games, notching five stops. To this point, the Lakers have gone 1-4 in the nonconference. Mercyhurst commences Northeast Conference (NEC) play this weekend at home against Long Island University.

Jonas set aside time from his schedule to field questions about the transition to Division I football, his ideal future profession, and his impact on the swimming career of his decorated sister.

Q: How have you evaluated your performance thus far this season?

A: I feel like I have been playing solidly so far this season. Throughout the rest of the season, I'm going to look to increase my production on Saturdays.

Q: You added approximately 60 pounds from when you started at Mercyhurst. What was key to that development?

A: In order to make the transition to the d-line, I knew that gaining weight was something that I had to do. I have always loved the weight room, so between that and a high calorie diet, I was able to gain around 20 pounds each year.

Q: You also shifted positions from linebacker to defensive end during your time with the Lakers. What were the biggest adjustments to the switch?

A: Transitioning from linebacker to d-end was a big adjustment. Playing d-line can be more technical, at times, and I had never played between the tackles before. Also, learning a whole new position within the playbook was another challenge.

Q: What was your reaction when it was announced that Mercyhurst was moving up to Division I?

A: Learning that we were going Division I was an amazing feeling. I had always felt that I had the ability and talent to play at this level, so I was extremely excited to make the jump.

Q: What team and individual goals have you established this year?

A: As a team, we have our eyes set on winning the NEC. For myself, I want to continue playing to the best of my ability every game. I am also hoping to earn the privilege of playing in some all-star games or possibly the next level.

Q: What led to your decision to attend Mercyhurst?

A: Between the coaching staff and the quality of education that I knew I would receive within my desired major, choosing Mercyhurst was an easy decision.

Q: What is your major and ideal future profession?

A: I obtained a bachelor's degree in criminal justice with a minor in psychology of crime. I would like to pursue a career with the Pennsylvania State Police.

Q: What has been your most challenging college course?

A: The most challenging college course for me was my criminal justice research class.

Q: You played for coach Jason Fazekas at Mount Pleasant Area. What were his best qualities?

A: I feel that Coach Fazekas' best qualities are leadership and passion of the game.

Q: What was your fondest high school memory?

A: I don't have one standout memory from high school, but when I look back at my time at Mount Pleasant, most of my best memories came from playing football, baseball, and basketball.

Q: Your younger sister, Lily, is a world class swimmer. What influence did you have on her career?

A: I think sharing the drive and passion for sports, as well as giving her advice along the way, has positively influenced her exceptional athletic career. In addition, reminding her of her potential and always showing up to cheer her on has hopefully made an impact on her mindset and performance.

Q: What is your favorite sports movie?

A: Rudy

Q: If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

A: If I could only eat one meal for the rest of my life, it would have to be deer steak and twice baked potatoes.

Q: What advice would you give yourself as a high school freshman?

A: I would tell my younger self to try not to focus so hard on the last rep and more on the next.