Missouri: Interview with 2018 Blue Springs OT Daniel Parker Jr.
Written by Charlie Beuttel
Twitter: @Charlie_cd3
The Blue Springs Wildcats, located in Blue Springs, Missouri just 20 miles east of Kansas City, had a rocky start to their season in 2015 going 1-5 but then reeled off four straight wins to close the regular season 5-5. Blue Springs then knocked off Raymore-Peculiar (14-12) in the first round of the Missouri Class 6 playoffs before suffering a heartbreaking 45-31 loss to Kickapoo.
In 2015, the Wildcats gave up 32 points a game but during their four game winning streak at the end of the season they gave up just 18.5 points per contest. On the other side of the ball, the offense scored just under 25 points a game.
One of the young stars who is becoming a leader on this team is offensive lineman Daniel Parker Jr. The Class of 2018 beast had a great first year playing varsity, playing well and improving his game throughout the season. After the season, Parker was named second team All-Conference.
Colleges have also begun to take notice of this rising star in Blue Springs as Parker already holds five Division-I offers and has attended several college camps this summer.
This summer before his junior season, the 6’3”, 270 big man has prepared for his junior season by working hard and attending several college camps. In the classroom, Parker currently has a 3.2 GPA.
In an exclusive Recruiting News Guru interview, I sat down with Daniel to talk about his career at Blue Springs and his recruiting process.
Interview
What are your thoughts on the 2015 season?
“We started off slow but as a team we finished strong winning five straight games and finished 6-6.”
What are your thoughts on your individual performance?
“I started off slow especially because it was my first year of varsity but I finished out strong and got second team All-Conference. I think I played well but could’ve been better.”
Did you receive any individual honors?
“Second team All-Conference.”
What camps have you gone to?
“Kansas State satellite camp, Missouri satellite camp, Iowa State satellite camp, Michigan satellite camp, and Nebraska.”
What camps are you planning to attend?
“Iowa and Kansas State again.”
Have you gone on any visits?
“No but I plan on visiting Iowa, Iowa State, Missouri and Nebraska.”
How many offers do you currently have?
“I currently have five offers from Iowa, Iowa State, Missouri, Missouri State, and Nebraska.”
What other schools are showing you interest?
“No other schools are really showing me some interest.”
How are you preparing for your junior season?
“I am working very hard and taking on one of the leader positions to help lead the team to a state title.”
How does Blue Springs look going into the 2016 season?
“We are looking very good. Our young players have grown and are more experienced.”
Have you set any personal or team goals for next season?
“I haven’t set any goals yet.”
What is your current GPA?
“3.2.”
What is your max bench and max squat in the weight room?
“My max bench is 300 pounds and max squat is 440 pounds.”
Thank you for your time.
“Thank you sir.”
Photos credit: 247sports.com; Blue Spring OL Daniel Parker Jr.
Photo credit: youtube.com; Blue Springs vs. Lee’s Summit West (2015).