No. 49 Jarez Parks breaks down his recruitment - On The Trail- ESPN
SEBASTIAN RIVER, Fla. -- When talking about the top edge rushing prospects in the Class of 2017, it doesn’t take long to bring Jarez Parks into the conversation.
The 6-foot-4, 230-pound two-sport star continues to be one of the most heavily recruited prospects in the class with offers from the majority of top programs in college football.
“I’m taking [the recruiting process] very lightly, and not letting it get to me,” said Parks, ranked No. 49 in the ESPN Junior 300. “I’m focusing on track right now, but in the summer I will try to narrow down my list.”
Away from track, he is staying in contact with a few colleges, including increased contact with Alabama.
As Alabama climbs Parks’ list, now likely ahead of Florida, Nick Saban’s message to Parks is a consistent.
“We really want you at Alabama -- word for word,” said Parks, of Saban’s pitch. “You will be a great asset to this team. Mostly, he just tells I would fit in perfectly. They want me to play outside linebacker, but I can also play with my hand in the dirt.”
Playing outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme is very appealing to Parks. With that said, the interest in Florida has been buoyed by a relationship with head coach Jim McElwain.
“The big message that Coach McElwain says at the end of our conversations is, ‘You are going to be a Gator.’ And that I would be mostly a defensive end, but also play in coverage if they needed me to.”
With summer trips being scheduled to USC, UCLA, Georgia, Clemson, South Carolina and possibly others, there are some key factors Parks is looking at when considering the next four years.
“One of the main things is the medical program because I’m looking to major in pre-med. Other than that, just the way I fit in with the players and everything and if the program flows like a machine. If I can really see myself going there and being a part of a team, or if I could just see myself going there as a regular student -- that’s what I’m really looking for.”
Why is UM not even in the picture for this kid?
SEBASTIAN RIVER, Fla. -- When talking about the top edge rushing prospects in the Class of 2017, it doesn’t take long to bring Jarez Parks into the conversation.
The 6-foot-4, 230-pound two-sport star continues to be one of the most heavily recruited prospects in the class with offers from the majority of top programs in college football.
“I’m taking [the recruiting process] very lightly, and not letting it get to me,” said Parks, ranked No. 49 in the ESPN Junior 300. “I’m focusing on track right now, but in the summer I will try to narrow down my list.”
Away from track, he is staying in contact with a few colleges, including increased contact with Alabama.
As Alabama climbs Parks’ list, now likely ahead of Florida, Nick Saban’s message to Parks is a consistent.
“We really want you at Alabama -- word for word,” said Parks, of Saban’s pitch. “You will be a great asset to this team. Mostly, he just tells I would fit in perfectly. They want me to play outside linebacker, but I can also play with my hand in the dirt.”
Playing outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme is very appealing to Parks. With that said, the interest in Florida has been buoyed by a relationship with head coach Jim McElwain.
“The big message that Coach McElwain says at the end of our conversations is, ‘You are going to be a Gator.’ And that I would be mostly a defensive end, but also play in coverage if they needed me to.”
With summer trips being scheduled to USC, UCLA, Georgia, Clemson, South Carolina and possibly others, there are some key factors Parks is looking at when considering the next four years.
“One of the main things is the medical program because I’m looking to major in pre-med. Other than that, just the way I fit in with the players and everything and if the program flows like a machine. If I can really see myself going there and being a part of a team, or if I could just see myself going there as a regular student -- that’s what I’m really looking for.”
Why is UM not even in the picture for this kid?
