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2015 Prospects

Southridge Lockdown Corner Derek Parnell A Top Recruit

Derek Parnell was named First Team All Metro League Cornerback and that was for the simple reason that no one beat him. All season long he roamed his

Southridge Lockdown Corner Derek Parnell A Top Recruit

One of the kids that had a big impact last year as a Junior is already making his presence known in the off season and riding on the wave of attention he generated in 2013 giving fits to every single receiver he faced.  Southridge Skyhawk Derek Parnell was named Second  Team All Metro League Cornerback and that was for the simple reason that no one beat him.  All season long he roamed his section of the secondary looking to light up anyone that crossed his radar.  The 5’9″ 178 lb speedster was in a word “Terrific”!

Derek Parnell is a Premier Prospect and one of the best Defensive Backs in the Region for 2015.

Derek Parnell is a Premier Prospect and one of the best Defensive Backs in the Region for 2015.

With 2 interceptions and 2 forced fumbles and countless tackles to his credit Parnell was all about defense for Coach Doug Dean’s boys as a Junior.  His considerable talents did extend to the offense but having Oregon’s #1 Wide Receiver in the State last season in Jordan Morgan meant the Skyhawks were not needing him in that sector.  This year will be different.

“Oh yes.  I think you are going to see me all over the field this year.  I will split out, play in the slot, play some QB, and anything else out there,” said Parnell.  “I am excited for this season for sure.”

The fast and muscular kid is running track right now and will compete in Long Jump, 100 Meters, 200 Meters, and some relays.  It is a goal he has to be in the low 11’s or below.  His 40 yard time is reported at 4.55 seconds and his vertical is right at 33 inches.

CHECK OUT DEREK PARNELL’S Premier Profile and HUDL and YOU TUBE Film Right Here.

“Defense is my bets fit.  I have locked down everyone I have faced this off season. I have faced off with the likes of Justice Murphy (EVERGREEN HS STAR WR) and have come out with only one catch made.  So that is for sure where my game is heading right now,” he added.

Watch that film of his.  It is substantial and what you see is  his ability to use his body and hips to make adjustments to the WR and the ball negating any separation they try to make.  There is no space to breath out there and Parnell clearly was smiling when we discussed the fact that he enjoys making it hard on opposing players.

“I make them lose their game.  Give me the best guys and I play better.  For me the better the competition the more I like it,” Derek offered.

The kid wants to spoil the show anytime he can and when you have a top QB he wants to make him look bad or have him afraid to throw his way.  This is the job of a good defensive back.  Get in the head of the WR and then the QB and it is game over. If he does that because this kid is going to win more then his share of battles on the physical front.  The hallmark of any great cornerback is nerves of steel and the ability to get into and under the skin of his opponents.  This is what we see in Derek and he knows he has it.  Most nights that is going to be his #1 strength.

What are his Goals on the road ahead?

“I am for sure heading out to WSU for Camp after the big camp up at Mercer Island (NWEFC).  I like Pullman and really want them to see what I have.  There will be some other camps like the Nike NFTC at Oregon and someother college stops,” he said.  “After that it will be on to the 2014 season and I think the Skyhawks are going to be really good.  People seem to think we lost a lot of guys but we have so much talent. We will be really good and surprise people for sure.”

He will be looked to for leadership no doubt.  That we fully expect him to bring 110% to the grid iron.  Southridge is a team that plays fast, aggressive, and fundamental and they are always a threat.  Derek Parnell will be all over the field this season and we can not wait to see him do his thing.

Another Top Tier Recruit we will be following all season long!

I am the Founder of the Northwest Prep Report. For 17 years I have led the way to the best of my ability to promote the best talent from the Pacific NW free of charge. It is my pleasure to continue to serve High School athletes from all over the Pacific NW and beyond. Formerly with Rivals.com my sites have now crossed over 8,000 stories, 7 MILLION Video Views, and 15,000 regular followers. Together with the best football people in the USA we pursue excellence for our NW athletes.

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