Name: Tucker Parks

Position: Quarterback

Class: 2024

High School/Previous School: Klein Collins HS (Spring, Texas)

Height/Weight: 6'2", 205 lbs

Back in June, the Hilltoppers added an integral piece to any recruiting class: the quarterback. Whether they are to provide depth or start in the long run, it was essential for the Hilltoppers to land their 2024 quarterback. Should Parks stay committed to the Western, he’ll join a Helton-led program which has posted the nation’s leading passers in each of the 2021 and 2022 seasons, with Austin Reed likely to take it for the Toppers third season in a row.

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Coming from Klein Collins High School in Spring, Texas, Parks commits to the Tops following a stellar junior campaign that saw him post 2,533 passing yards and 31 passing touchdowns on a 68% completion rate (just five interceptions across 237 attempts!), while tabbing on 825 yards and 13 scores on the ground on his way to 1st Team All-District and All-Academic honors.

STRENGTHS:

The Ceiling: In the recruiting process, especially in a world with readily available experience on the depth chart due to the transfer portal, the potential and ceiling of recruits is just about everything. Parks presents all of the tools of a college-ready passer as an incoming senior. In a quarterback room that has benefited from transfers, Parks would come into a situation where his development is exponentially sharpened by the company he’ll keep.

Deep Ball Accuracy: This trait is evident across his tape. He consistently put receivers in good spots and didn’t unnecessarily sail the ball. He pushed the sidelines and tight windows when he needed to, and nailed several back shoulder throws.

Pocket Play: Parks abilities in the pocket are a bit further ahead than most at this level. He showed off terrific foot work in the pocket and didn’t resort to his ground game too much, despite what the stat card says. Did a good job playing balanced football and giving plays ample time to develop.

Throw on the Run: His play here was exceptional. Parks pushed the ball really well, didn’t lose his balance, and put the ball in great spots for receivers.

Textbook Playaction: He uses his body well to sell the fake and manipulate defenders, reads his route combinations and defensive assignments well, and wastes no time on his roll and throw.

ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT:

Passing Stature: While his deep game is excellent, I’d like to see improved mechanics in his feet and balance of weight.

The Intermediate Game: This is tough for a lot of passers. These routes generally push the middle of the field, are very tricky in the way they’re timed, or you have to zip the ball down the boundary from 15-20 yards out. This isn’t an uncommon deficiency, and will improve with reps and time.

Overall, Parks is one of the biggest pieces of the Tops 2024 recruiting class. A valuable commitment with a strong ceiling and only truly has the room for improvement that comes with time and reps.

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