DITR: Jaylon Parnell

Our newest Diamond in the Rough is Class of 2025 Linebacker Jaylon Parnell out of Pascagoula High School. Jaylon is 6’2 225 LBS and has been a leader on the Panther’s defense for the last two years, leading the team in tackles and making 1st team all region last year. Jaylon enjoys riding horses during his free time in Three Rivers, Mississippi. Jaylon runs a 4.6 forty yard dash and is looking to improve on his 255 LBS bench press and 315 LBS squat this offseason.

Jaylon’s Highlights: http://www.hudl.com/v/2JSh59

When did you start playing football?

“I started playing tackle when I was around 6 years old.”

What is your favorite part about football?

“I like just having fun and being able to go out and make contact with my opponents.”

What is the hardest thing about football?

“Staying consistent can be difficult, but I make sure to do exactly that because of how important it is.”

What is something you have learned playing football?

“I have found that you need to keep trying and to keep working, you can’t give up if you want success.”

Do you play any other sports?

“In the spring I play baseball in which I play right field.”

Who is your favorite College Football Team?

“I have a few including LSU, Ole Miss, Auburn, and Texas.”

Who is your favorite NFL Team?

“I am a Dallas Cowboys fan.”

Who is your biggest role model?

“My parents because of how much they push me to the best that I can be.”

Do you have any players that you emulate your game after?

“I like to watch a lot of Micah Parsons on the Cowboys and Harold Perkins from LSU.”

How do you prepare for a game?

“I try to just listen to music and stay calm, during the week I watch film to study up.”

How do you balance school and football?

“I just try to just stay focused, my mom helps me stay on track.”

What is your best skillset when it comes to football?

“My ability to go sideline from sideline, my ball tracking skills, and how hard I am able to hit.”

What does being a good teammate mean to you?

“It means keeping everyone up and staying focused. Everyone should try to be leader in their own way on the field.”

Do you have any goals for next year?

“Next season I would like to have 100 plus tackles and I would like to be the leader in forced fumbles.”