"Cornerback Larry Parker joins the RedBlacks"

Wow it had been two whole weeks since the RedBlacks had signed a guy!  For a while there, we were getting a new signing every two days!

Apparently, Parker was among the last cuts of the Arizona Cardinals in 2012.  But prior to that?  In April of 2012, Damond Talbot wrote an article about him for SBNation which includes a brief Q&A with Parker.  Highlights below, but you can read the complete version here. 

Parker hasn’t had an easy path to make it where he is today.

Parker was born and raised in San Diego, California, and coming out of St. Augustine High School as a very athletic player who played all phases of the game. He was a wide receiver who had 45 receptions, a cornerback who had 44 tackles and 8 interceptions and led the team in Kick Return yards. You would think a player with that type of play would easily get a shot at the next level. 

Well unfortunately, Parker didn’t make it as easy as others.  Parker took a full ride scholarship to play for Sacramento State as a cornerback, but after one year there he made a transfer to a JUCO school, because Sacramento State wanted to play him at wide receiver rather than cornerback.  Parker chose to stay close to home with Grossmont Junior College and play for one year at cornerback, before getting on to San Diego State’s roster. 

Parker had 38 tackles and three interceptions with the Griffins to earn honorable mention all Southern-Conference honors, in 2008. Parker went on to San Diego State and in his first couple years, played in all 12 games, as a reserve cornerback and was able to immediately contribute.  

Standing at 5'11 and weighing in at 170 pounds, Parker has played in all but one game over his career and has been very solid in coverage. This year Parker had his best season as an Aztec, totaling 63 tackles, 7 interceptions, 9 pass deflections and beautiful 22 yard interception return against Air Force this year. 

 Photography by Earnie Grafton

I had the pleasure to talk with Larry Parker in an exclusive interview for Mocking the Draft, so let’s find out a little more about this upcoming late round steal.
... 

What was your most memorable moment in college? 

The first game of this year, I was given the starting spot for the first time. I was always in the second group, and I finally got a chance to lock it down. After I got the spot, I wasn’t going to let it go. 

... 

What was the most traumatic thing that has ever happened in your life? How did you overcome it? 

The most traumatic time had to be, when my friend, Todd Doxey an Oregon football player and high school friend drowned in a river my freshman year in 2008. He was a close friend of mine, and that was really hard to get over. All the guys in the crew stayed close and kept his name alive. 

What was your favorite NFL team growing up? 

Whatever team Deion was on, then when he retired whatever team Michael Vick was on. 

Who in the NFL would say, your game is most like and why? 

I would say Charles Woodson, because we have the same body type, and we are both quick on our feet. He has instincts like me as well. 

If you could meet one person dead or alive; who would it be and why? 

Michael Jordan, always have been a big fan of his 

If it was your last meal on earth, what would it be? 

Chicken and Shrimp Alfredo 

Have you been hearing where NFL teams have you projected in the draft? 

I have heard 5th to 7th round. 

What NFL teams talked with you this year? 

The Jaguars, Dolphins, Patriots, Broncos, Chargers and the Ravens 

When you talk with NFL teams, what do you tell them you will bring to their team? 

Versatility, I have played QB, WR, RB, as well as cornerback. I can see both sides of the field, I understand what the Quarterback is doing and can run the routes of the receiver. 

Do you have any pre game rituals? 

I wear the same socks throughout the whole season. If I wore white wrist tape I had to wear black socks, and vice versa, and listen to music. 

Do you have any hobbies? 

Being a father and playing with my son 

If you were to find a genie lamp and get three wishes, what would they be? 

First wish would be to make an NFL teams 53 man roster, Second would be to stay healthy to play a long career and be there for my son, and Lastly to make sure my son doesn’t have to go without anything. 

There's an interesting connection here already; Parker and recent Redblacks signee Eddie Elder were signed by the Arizona Cardinals on the same day in May 2012. Elder was released by them in August of that year and Parker the following month.