Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Tar Heels, others will regret passing on Parks

I hate to say I told you so, but, well, I told you so. West Rowan High yardage-gobbler Kevin Parks (he likes K.P. better) dominated the Offense-Defense All-American Bowl Saturday night in Myrtle Beach.

Parks, a Virginia commitment largely because Carolinas’ schools ignored him because of his 5-foot-7, 190-pound size, rushed for 197 yards and three TDs on 24 carries in the West’s 35-0 blowout of the East. He was named the game’s most outstanding performer. That came after he was North Carolina’s top offensive player in the Shrine Bowl Dec. 19. And there was better overall talent in this game.

I wrote awhile back that those Carolinas’ schools—particularly programs like North Carolina, which hasn’t had a great RB in some time—would regret passing on Parks, who holds just about every state rushing record.

He’s short but remarkably quick and powerful, with a low center of gravity. And his size is not always a disadvantage, allowing him to hide behind bigger offensive linemen before popping free.

And while his 40 speed (around 4.55) is good but not exceptional, Parks has what coaches call “football speed.” View his tape, and you rarely see him caught from behind in the open field.

Parks will be a big-time weapon for the Cavaliers.

Just wait and watch him.

--Stan Olson Got recruiting news? Pop it to me at solson@charlotteobserver.com

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Doesn't surprise me at all that Carolina passed on him. Just another tool Virginia will use to beat UNC over the head with in the coming years.

Anonymous said...

I've watched this kid for almost every game of his high school career. What he loses with his size and speed deficits, he makes up for with his vision. K.P. is a patient runner who waits on his blockers, something most kids these days don't do, they just run to where they were told. K.P. allows things to happen in front of him, then hits it hard, and then has the downfield vision to see other holes opening up. And like the article says, he has "football speed". I have never seen him caught from behind, and in most cases, he runs away from defenders. K.P. will make us West Rowan grads proud when he hits the next level. Oh yeah, and he's an excellent student and a great person who deflects his recognition on his coaches and teammates.

Anonymous said...

With all the UNC and NCSU alumni in the area that have connections to their respective athletic departments, it's a shame that such a great in-state talent has to leave to play D-1 ball. I believe both schools will regret this one. Motivation to prove doubters wrong can turn good talent to great talent.