Penn State Sports Magazine
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1472993
1 0 2 A U G U S T 2 0 2 2 W W W . B L U E W H I T E O N L I N E . C O M P enn State picked up one of its most important commitments in the 2023 recruiting cycle with the addition of Alabama edge rusher Tomarrion Parker in June. An On3 Consensus four-star prospect from Central High School in Phenix City, Parker began developing a relationship with the Nittany Lions' staff in April 2021 when he received an offer. He didn't say much publicly about PSU, but behind the scenes, James Franklin's program had quietly become one of the schools he felt most comfortable with. "The coaches at Penn State really showed me love since the day they of- fered me," Parker said. "They were very transparent to me about everything, and I love it." Parker is one of the top-ranked players in the class. The On3 Consensus has him at No. 99 overall nationally, No. 14 at the defensive end position and No. 11 in the state of Alabama. Over the course of his recruitment, Parker earned more than two dozen scholarship offers. Alabama, Auburn, Georgia, Miami, Ohio State, Ole Miss, Oregon and Texas A&M were a few of the more notable programs to offer. Most ex- pected him to ultimately end up playing in the SEC. As recently as June 5, Parker was saying that Florida and Tennessee were the favorites in his recruitment. He even said that Michigan State, not Penn State, was sitting third. But Penn State was the only school to welcome Parker for an official visit, do- ing so on June 17-19. Michigan State head coach Mel Tucker and his staff were plan- ning to host Parker the following week- end, and Florida planned to welcome him in October for its game against LSU. That changed after just 48 hours in Happy Valley. Following his announce- ment, Parker said he was done visiting schools. "The atmosphere at Penn State is sur- real," he said. "The people brought me in and took care of me. Penn State is like its own town, and the fans definitely show you love." Parker's connection with the coach- ing staff also proved persuasive. The Li- ons' staff "was just perfect for me and my family," he said. "They stayed around all the time, they talked, they laughed. They kept it real with me on how things are go- ing to go, how [they're] going to use me and things like that, which I loved." Parker's recruitment was led by defen- sive line coach John Scott Jr., with help from defensive recruiting assistant Alan Zemaitis and cornerbacks coach Terry Smith. Another factor that worked in PSU's favor was that Parker fell in love with the University Park campus and is fine with leaving the South for college. "When I went up there on Penn State's campus, it was like a movie," he said. "It looks good. They've got some beauti- ful buildings. The weather is perfect. Up there it gets cold, I love the cold. I don't have any problem playing in the cold." Listed at 6-4, 245 pounds, Parker is expected to be a defensive end for the Nittany Lions, although he could end up growing into a defensive tackle depending on how he develops. ■ Top Edge Rusher Set To Bolster Lions' Defensive Front RYA N S N Y D E R | R YA N. S N Y D E R @ O N 3 . C O M COMMITMENT PROFILE TOMARRION PARKER Parker received more than two dozen scholarship offers, choosing the Nittany Lions in June over Florida, Tennessee and Michigan State. PHOTO COURTESY PARKER FAMILY Penn State landed a top-flight prospect when it received a commitment from Tomar- rion Parker, one of the last priority players left at defensive end in this cycle. Here's a look at what he brings to the Nittany Lions' rapidly expanding class: STRENGTHS Run defense: At 6-4, 245 pounds, Parker has the size to dominate his gap correctly. He sets a strong edge in the run game, pushes tackles upfield when applicable, and squeezes down holes when necessary. Hand usage/pass rushing: Parker's pass- rushing skills are superb. He shows a quality rip, long arm, bull rush, speed rush, and some counters and variations from those moves. Not only that, but the Alabama native can adapt his pass rush and set moves up from one play to the next. AREAS OF DEVELOPMENT Pad level: Parker's pad level on run plays isn't bad. But too much of his low profile comes from bending at the waist and leaning forward. He's so strong and has such good technique that he can make it work at the high school level. Yet, opponents can take advantage of this deficit when he faces better competition. Bend: This is an issue that becomes clear when Parker engages with a blocker and is high in his stance. He can be knocked off his intended path despite his strength because his center of gravity is too high. PROJECTION Edge defender: Parker has the skills to play either strongside or weakside defensive end, although I don't put much stock in the differ- entiation between the two positions. He's big, fast, and can get to the quarterback, which means he can see the field at either spot. Getting Parker is one of the biggest wins for Penn State in the class of 2023 because he's a perfect complement to the players on the defensive line. — Thomas Frank Carr P L A Y E R E V A L U A T I O N