Five-star Parks talks Florida State visit, upcoming travel plans
Jarez Parks probably isn’t quite ready to take the bar exam, but he has the basics of criminal defense down.
Asked about the prevailing thought that Florida and Alabama are the favorites to land his commitment, the five-star defensive lineman summoned his inner attorney.
“No proof,” Parks said quickly with a sort of half grin. Asked to clarify his comment, the Sebastian (Fla.) River High School star simply restated his point.
“There’s no proof of that,” he repeated.
Parks, thought to be choosing between just a handful of schools (Alabama, Florida and possibly Florida State), isn’t much for speaking in absolutes. In fact, he isn’t much for speaking at all. Still, on Tuesday he discussed his recent visit to FSU for the Seminoles’ game with Clemson.
“We went to the game and hung out, basically,” Parks said. “I spoke to the coaches a little this time, but we didn’t get to speak that much. They took an L, so they had other things to worry about. I didn’t expect them to talk to me much after that.”
But Parks’ relationship with Florida State is larger than just one visit. He has what he categorizes as a solid relationship with Jimbo Fisher’s staff. The contact is ongoing and, according to Parks, it’s meaningful.
“Basically, they tell me that I could kind of play both linebacker and defensive end in a sense,” Parks said. “They want to use my versatility. If they need me to be down, I’ll be down, but otherwise I can stand up and get to the quarterback and whatnot.”
When Parks discusses the subject of other visits, however, he touches only on the three schools those around him feel have a real shot to land his commitment. Proof or no proof, it seems Parks’ recruitment has taken shape.
“I don’t know the exact date, but I’m going to head back out to Florida State soon,” he said. I should be hitting up Alabama soon for a game and probably Florida as well.”
Parks is ranked as the top weakside defensive end and the No. 22 overall prospect in the 2017 class.