Gamecocks trying to play catch up with recently offered Alabama defensive end
SPORTSTALK / February 21, 2022DE Tomarrion Parker (6-4 250) of Phenix City, AL recently named a top five of Georgia, Alabama, Ohio State, Tennessee and Penn State. He’s had offers from the schools for a while and they are schools with which he’s built relationships. That’s important to Parker and a reason USC faces an uphill battle to get in the mix after offering him on the record February 6th.
“I talked to the head coach and he told me they offered me back in October, and I didn’t even know it,” Parker said. “Terrible communication by the old person that offered me. I could have been built a relationship with them like I wanted to at first. The new staff, we’ve just started talking.”USC coach Shane Beamer let Parker know he is going to come after him like a hard charging defensive end in the recruiting process.
“He told me he always looks for dogs to come in and play,” Parker. “He said he didn’t care who else is looking at me or recruiting me, he’s going to recruit me hard and try to get me up to South Carolina whenever I can.”
Parker does not have plans to visit USC at this point, but that could change. He’s not ready to slam the door on any opportunities.
“I’m still keeping my options open because a lot of schools are getting new coaching staffs,” Parker said. “Some schools I ruled out early I’m giving a chance again, like Florida. The old coaching staff really didn’t keep in touch with me, but the new coaching staff, a few coaches came from different schools I used to talk to. They went over there, so I’ll give schools like them a chance. Of course, I’m going to give a chance to Ohio State and Miami. I’m just taking it slow.”
Slow enough that Clemson might also get in the picture. The Tigers have recruited Phenix City extremely well over the last several years. All it would take for Parker to pump up his interest in them is an offer. He camped at and visited Clemson last June.
“I just sent them my transcript, so I’m waiting to hear back from them,” Parker said. “They’ll definitely be a top school. I’ve been in communication with them since last January. I told them once I get the offer, I’ll go back up there.”
Florida, Miami, Florida State and Texas A&M are others Parker has strong interest in at this point. He plans to visit more schools in March and April. He’s down for Georgia March 19th and also plans to get to Alabama for a weekend.
Last season, Parker recorded 78 tackles and 15 sacks. He can play up and down the defensive line and that’s what coaches say they like about him.
“I can stand up or put my hand in the dirt,” Parker said. “They like my speed and ability to pass rush. When the ball is thrown, I’m chasing the ball full speed and making effort plays.”
Parker said he would like to make his decision before his senior season.
Notes of Interest:
GG Jackson wasn’t the only major USC target in for the LSU game Saturday. 2024 6-4 Cam Scott of Lexington was in for another unofficial visit. He plans to visit Wake Forest this weekend.
DE Jaybron Harvey (6-3 215) of Durham, NC was offered by USC. He also has offers from Rutgers, Virginia Tech, Penn State, North Carolina, Washington, Michigan, Louisville, Wake Forest, Coastal Carolina, Appalachian State, Vanderbilt and others.
WR Christian Hamilton plans to visit USC April 16th.
USC target SAF Jaremiah Anglin was offered by Florida.
Chapin OT Chase Sweigart remains undecided over PWO offers from USC, Penn State and Auburn. He plans to visit Auburn next mont