The Cowboy’s selected running back Deuce Vaughn out of Kansas State in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Although Vaughn was 5’6″, 172 pounds, he was electric in his three year tenure at Kansas State; he was a two time All-American, finishing his career with over 4,850 scrimmage yards and 43 total touchdowns. He showed size does not matter.
In the fourth round of the 2005 NFL Draft, the Chargers selected running back Darren Sproles, again, out of Kansas State. Sproles finished fifth in Heisman voting back in 2003. In his four year career at Kansas State, he would finish with over 5,550 yards from scrimmage and 47 total touchdowns. Sproles carried his dominance over to the NFL, where he earned three trips to the Pro Bowl, a second team All-Pro, landed on the Hall of Fame All 2010s team twice– as a punt returner and “flex”- and set the record for most all-purpose yards in a single season. He set the standard: size does not matter.
Now, Brandon Parker Jr. out of Picayune Memorial High is trying to prove once again that size does not matter. And, after watching him this past weekend at the Gridiron Football camp in Covington, Louisiana, one thing became apparent- this young man can ball.
Parker Jr. was named a top performer at the camp, an accolade given to the five best performers at the camp. Before his name was even brought up, the coaches all said the same thing, “who was twenty-five? that kid was twitchy“. It’s true- Parker Jr. was a blur.
Even on the sidelines, while he was resting in-between one on ones and 7v7s, Parker Jr. was amped up and quick. It was impossible not to notice.
Parker Jr. worked with the running backs at the camp, however he lined up out wide, in the slot and at running back during 7v7s and 1v1s. Quickly, the defense realized they had their hands full. After punishing the defense all day, Parker Jr. would cap off his great performance with a deep post he caught in 7v7s. He would make the reception, then juke out several defenders for some nice yards after catch, before ultimately scoring. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that Parker Jr. was the quickest player at the camp.
And, it makes sense. He has an official 6.69 in the three cone- something that has helped him become such a gifted athlete. Although he is 5’4″, 135 pounds, he can still squat 315 pounds and probably juke out an entire defense.
Parker Jr. has received limited varsity time at Picayune Memorial High, however- once again- he has made the most of what he’s been given. He has already recorded 5 PBU as a defensive back. Again, he’s a talented athlete, capable of playing WR, HB and DB. He was incredibly electric this past weekend, and should be on any college’s radar during the 2024 season.
Below is an QnA between Parker Jr. and myself.
What player do you compare yourself to and why?
“Christian McCaffrey and Alvin Kamara because I’m versatile”
What is your GPA?
“3.0”
What are your biggest accomplishments?
“The MHSAA State Championship.”
What’s a strength you have in the game?
“My biggest strength is my knowledge of the game of football.”
What’s something you’re working to improve ?
“I’m working to improve on all the little things.”
What are your current football goals?
“Help my program get back to the state title.”
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