The 22-year-old was selected in Wales’ victorious RBS 6 Nations squad but did not get on the pitch during the campaign.
But he has been in impressive form with the Ospreys and is determined to take the next step in his career by ousting “inspirational” Jones.
“I’m competing for the same position but I view Ryan as a rival and an inspiration,” King told the Western Mail.
“You watch these players growing up but now I’m training and playing with them every week and competing for places with them.
“I’ve learned a great deal off Ryan, you just look at his leadership within the group and he helped turn Wales around in the Six Nations.
“He leads by example and his work-rate is phenomenal. Often he does a lot of work he doesn’t get rewarded for, but he should get that recognition because it’s usually vital work for his side.”
King has been able to push his credentials at the Ospreys following injuries to Wales second-rows Alun Wyn Jones and Ian Evans.
He has been happy to fill in out of position but sees his long term future on the blindside flank.
“It’s been nice to get a few starts, and playing at blindside as well, but I don’t feel by any means secure in the side yet,” he said.
“It’s just been fortunate people in my position have been injured at different times. and I’ve got some game-time.
“I prefer to play at six but if I have to play at lock I will – the main thing is to get on the field.
“It’s competitive at six. Ryan and JT (Jonathan Thomas) can play are there and Joe Bearman can also play at six.
“The major changes between lock and six is your positioning in scrum and lineout, but I still try to play like a back-rower around the field with a high work-rate.”
King is likely to tour Japan with Wales this summer but he refuses to get his hopes up and is focusing on life with the Ospreys.
“It’s easy to get ahead of yourself, so I’m just trying to retain my spot here,” added King.
“Hopefully, we’ll make it through to the play-offs and if I’m playing well enough, potentially other things can come.
“You can’t dictate whether you get picked or not, but you can change the way you play. So I just focus on the way I play.
“Just to be involved in the Six Nations squad alongside players of that calibre was a great experience and I’d like to think I’ve developed because of it.
“I didn’t dwell on not being selected. I tried to train as well as I could to get picked.
“If I keep playing well, hopefully there will be opportunities in the future.”
“It would be great to go to Japan if it’s the first step of things to come, but I realise I must keep playing well for things like to happen.”
