South Panola back holds Tennessee offer

Batesville (Miss.) South Panola running back Nicholas Parker is one of the best players on one of the best programs in the country. The big back had a huge junior season, rushing for over 2,500 yards and 29 touchdowns, that following a season in which he rushed for over 700 yards while splitting carries. Now that work is starting to pay off with scholarship offers.

Already with an offer from the in-state program of Mississippi State, Parker recently picked up his second SEC offer.

"Tennessee offered me last week I think," Parker said. "I was shocked. I hadn't heard too much from them. (South Panola head coach) Coach Pogue had called their coaches. I talked to Coach O, Coach Wilson and basically all of the coaches."

The Tennessee offer interests Parker, particularly due to their national exposure, something Parker is comfortable with after rushing for nearly 250 yards against Florida power Apopka on national television.

"They're real good," he said of Tennessee. "I'd go. They're on TV a lot and I'd get my chance to shine."

Parker doesn't have his eye on many particular schools but there is one offer that would excite him.

"I like the Texas Longhorns," he said. "I don't know why. I just like them."

In the offseason, Parker has been working out with his teammates and running track where he will compete in the 200 and continue to work on his speed. Beyond that, he has at least one more junior day to attend.

"I might be going to Mississippi State I think next week," he said. "I've been to Ole Miss already for their junior day."