2013 Recruiting: Michael Parker

Michael Parker is an impressive athlete out of Kettle Run High School in Nokesville, Virginia. He holds regional (Virginia Tech, Virginia, Tennessee, Maryland), as well as national (Illinois, Ohio State, Boston College) offers. Schools are recruiting the talented 6-4 200 pound junior as either a safety or wide receiver. He had a very productive 2011 season netting 63 tackles, 4 sacks, 4 forced fumbles, 4 INTs, 2 fumble recoveries and a score on defense to go along with 20 receptions, 300 receiving yards, 200 rushing yards (Jet Sweep package) and 5 TDs on offense. Kettle Run Coach Jeff Lloyd was generous enough to take the time to answer questions I had about Michael.

Photo by Randy Litzinger via Fauquier.com

From his highlight film, Michael shows playmaking ability and versatility, both blitzing from a standing position and dropping into deep zones. He lines up all over the field, so much so it's hard to tell if he's playing safety or outside linebacker. Can you talk about how important Michael is to your defensive scheme, what coverage he plays in, and how you like to use his athletic skill set?

He actually plays in our 3-5-3 defense one of our two outside LB positions. He usually plays on the strong side which is our (Stud Backer) because he is so versatile we blitz him, as well as play him in coverage. He is athletic enough to play man or drop back to a two deep safety for us. He is more of a Hybrid Strong Safety/Linebacker. The [Josh] Tapscott kid plays on the opposite side of him. It makes it very difficult for opposing offenses to know if they are blitzing or playing coverage but you have to account for both because if you don't they are going to mess up what you are trying to do.

How does he take on blocks? From his film there aren't many examples of him being engaged and shaking it to make a tackle. There is only the occasional "ole" block. On a blitz, does he prefer to use his hands to beat a block, or will he use his speed to get around the end?

Michael because of his athleticism is able to make plays a lot of times without taking on blocks. He will have to improve that at the next level and play with a lower pad level. Right now he is able to use his speed to beat blocks. He will have to get better with his hands in the future.

How would you rate his technique: pad level, form tackling, movement in coverage, etc... ? What parts of his game is he trying to improve on for his senior season?

His technique is pretty good. He needs to play lower and be more physical at the point of attack. He is able to get away with some things now because of his athleticism that he won't be at the next level.

Where does he primarily line up at receiver, outside or in the slot? What routes is he most comfortable running, and which ones does he need to work on? Does he run option routes based on the coverage? What about him makes it difficult for defenders to cover?

On the offensive side he primarily lines up in the slot but we do move him around some to take advantage of matchups. Going into his senior year I would like to be able to move him around quite a bit to create certain matchups for us, even some at TE. He is difficult to cover because he is so long and runs well. Of course he loves to go deep but his best routes are the slant, and post. He needs to work on his stick route and crossing routes.

How effective is he blocking in the run game?

He is very good in the run game, because he is physical and has long arms.

At the next level, what position do you think is the best fit for him?

I think he could be an OLB, (Rover, whip guy) SS, WR, or even a TE or DE if he puts on weight. He has the frame to put on the weight.

For more on Michael read the interview he gave last month to Eleven Warriors.