Tennessee Football: Interview with Father Ryan 2021 DE Parker Petersen
Written by Charlie Beuttel
Twitter: @charlie_cds3
Father Ryan High School, located in Nashville, had a down year as the Fighting Irish suffered through a 2-8 season. However, one player did all he could to lead by example by working hard on and off the field and that was defensive end Parker Petersen.
The 6’5”, 215-pound, beast used his size and tremendous athletic ability to make huge plays all season long for his team. Peterson plays with a great motor and delivers punishing hits. The Class of 2021 prospect currently holds several college offers including one from Missouri State and is currently drawing interest from several big-time college programs including Air Force and Yale.
Not only is Peterson a star on the football and wrestling team but also holds 3.8 GPA in the classroom and has aspirations of being an engineer or architect.
In an exclusive Recruiting News Guru interview, I caught with Parker to discuss his recruiting process and career at Father Ryan High School.
Interview
Parker, what are your thoughts on the 2019 season?
“We started off strong with a win against Bowling Green at Western Kentucky. We had a few key injuries and lost some close games. Our record was disappointing but I was proud of the way we continued to fight together until the end.”
How would you grade your individual performance last year and why?
“My goal was to improve every game of the season and I believe I did that.”
What are your strengths on the football field?
“I lead by example. I want to play every play like it is my last. I believe that kind of energy is contagious.”
What kind of challenges did you face last year?
“As I said earlier, we had some key injuries to big time players. Also, we only had nine seniors.”
How did you overcome these challenges?
“All of us stepped up to contribute in any way we could. Some of us played both sides of the ball.”
What was your most memorable moment last year?
“My sister from Florida and childhood friends from Alabama and Indiana came to watch me. I didn’t know that until after the game. That was a very emotional moment for me.”
What do you like most about playing your position?
“It takes discipline to be successful.”
What are you working on the most this off season?
“I’m working hard to increase my size and strength. I’m on track to be 225 to 230 by fall and I’m just short of 6-foot 6-inches.”
Do you have any college offers?
“Yes, I have several D-I offers in wrestling and in football I have Eastern Kentucky, Tennessee-Martin, Missouri State, Tennessee Tech and Northwest Missouri State.”
Are you receiving any interest from any schools?
“Kansas State and Air Force have invited me to campus once recruiting opens back up. I have also received interest from Yale.”
Have you been to any college camps?
“I was planning to go this spring and summer but I’m also committed to wrestling for the Tennessee National team so we’ll see how all that plays out.”
Is there a current NFL player that you try to model your game after?
“JJ Watt; he is big, fast and explosive. He was also a little undersized in high school and grew into his frame. He is my inspiration.”
Do you play any other sports in high school?
“I wrestle. I am an NHSCA All-American and a two-time Tennessee state finalist. I was named first team All-Midstate and selected to the Tennessee “Dream Team”. I was also on the All-Tournament Greco Team at Junior Nationals. I’m currently ranked fourth in the southeast.”
What is your GPA?
“3.8.”
What is your favorite subject in school and why?
“Physics; I want to be an engineer or architect.”
Who has had the biggest impact on your football and why?
“My dad. He was an All-American at Northwest Missouri State and he has always pushed me to be my best. Also, my Dad and Kevin Kooi coached me to back to back Super Bowl wins in fourth and fifth grade. That is where I really developed my love for football and realized the friendships you make on the football field will last forever.”
What do you like most about playing at Father Ryan High School?
“Truly, there is nothing better than being Irish. I’m just proud to represent our student body through football, wrestling and the peer mentor program.”
Thank you for your time and good luck in your senior season.
“Thank you, sir.”
Photo credit: Parker Petersen; Father Ryan DE Parker Petersen (94) pose with his brother and grandmother after a game