Six leaders emerge for Parker-Boyd

Speedy Malvern (Pa.) Great Valley athlete Anthony Parker-Boyd has taken in two visits to summer camps. The 6-foot-0, 192-pounder stopped by Iowa and Rutgers. What did the prospect think of the two schools?

"I could tell the coaching staff at Iowa is Grade A, they were well organized and handled their business. I could see the attitude they have and the fact that they only take hard working kids. The coaches treated me great and they also have good food in the cafeteria," he said. "I went to Rutgers for a one-day workout and met the whole coaching staff. They were nice too and it's a pretty fun environment there. I also like that it's close to home."

The visits aren't over for the athlete as he is looking to head to Delaware, North Carolina, North Carolina State and Duke in the middle of July.

"I'm just going to be looking at the environment and I want to see if I'll be able to adapt to it," he said. "I also want to check out the facilities and campus."

Currently, Parker-Boyd holds approximately 15 offers including ones from Duke, Iowa, North Carolina, Virginia, Michigan State, Delaware, Towson, Rutgers, James Madison, Hofstra, Ohio, Buffalo, Minnesota and Wisconsin. Do any of the offers stand out to Parker-Boyd?

"My top six are North Carolina, Wisconsin, Rutgers, Virginia, Iowa and Michigan State," he said. "I was born and raised in North Carolina; I've got family down there. I remember when North Carolina football was good at one time and I think they just need athletes that are dedicated to them. They beat Miami last year and I think that opened some eyes," he said. "Wisconsin as far as location is cold, but they're one of the best programs in the nation. They came off a really good year and they are looking at me to be a Reggie Bush type player. The environment there is incredible.

"Michigan State is a good school that runs the four spread offense. They are recruiting me as a quarterback and I think I'd fit their offense really well. They are also re-directing themselves to be a good school. Virginia is on of the best schools in the nation. They are recruiting me to play safety. They are always in a bowl game and they have a great coaching staff."

Parker-Boyd is obviously being recruited for multiple positions.

"North Carolina, Delaware and Michigan State want me as a quarterback, while Wisconsin wants me as an athlete. Finally, Iowa, Virginia, North Carolina State and Minnesota want me on defense," he said. "I feel most comfortable at quarterback. I like having the ball in my hands and making plays. People need someone to depend on and I like them depending on me, I have that leadership mentality."

With so many offers, is the prospect any close to a decision?

"I don't know when I'll decide," he said. "I may try to do it in the fall, but it depends how good I feel about the schools."

After rushing for 949 yards and passing for 1,815 yards, what is he looking to improve on during his senior season?

"I want to win state basically, that's all I want to do," he said. "I would be happy with good numbers like 2,000 yards passing and rushing. I do want to throw the ball a lot more this year."

Parker-Boyd added 34 tackles and five interceptions on defense. He went on to be named offensive player of the year in the SCCO, first team all-league and third team all-state as a junior.