2025 offensive lineman Matthew Parker adding first Power 5 offers
2025 offensive lineman prospect Matthew Parker began his varsity career at Brandon High School. However, Parker transferred to Jackson Prep last year looking for an opportunity to shine.
Parker did just that and then some. He was able to get his chance to perform on Friday nights and did not disappoint.
“It was like a whole new environment,” Parker explained. “I got to play a lot and be on the field for the first time. All the coaches were welcoming to me and it was a great experience. I was on the team at Brandon High School the year before but I didn’t play and was on the scout team. But this last season I was at right tackle and right guard.”
Entering his senior season, Parker is nowhere need satisfied with his play in the trenches. He is spending the offseason with one major goal in mind that will aid his game next season as well at the collegiate level.
“This offseason I am working on getting stronger,” added the 6-foot-7 and 280-pound Parker. “Strength was one of the keys to my game last year and I also want to get quicker with my feet. I feel overall, I want to improve my game so I can go to the next level.”
On the recruiting scene, Parker has started to add more Division 1 offers of late, including his first Power 5 offers that came last month. He has also taken in a couple of unofficial visits this year and mentioned his visit plans for the spring.
“So far I have offers from Tulsa, Houston, Louisiana Tech, UAB, Duke, Jackson State, Troy and Bethune-Cookman,” noted Parker. “I am getting the most interest from Vanderbilt, Ole Miss, Mississippi State and Florida. I have been to junior days at Mississippi State and Tulane. Then this spring I plan to go to Ole Miss, Troy, Florida and Mississippi State, definitely. I also want to go visit Vanderbilt.”
Parker unofficially visited Mississippi State in late January. It was a good opportunity for Parker to meet the new staff in Starkville, particularly offensive line coach Cody Kennedy.
“It was a great visit to Mississippi State,” recalled Parker. “I love their coaching staff and I love Coach Kennedy. He seems like a great coach and I like our relationship already. I like the direction Mississippi State is going with the new staff.”
Parker also enjoyed the feedback he received from Kennedy during that visit along with getting advice from Kennedy on his future on the offensive line.
“Coach Kennedy said he loves my footwork,” Parker remarked. “He wants me to work on my strength but that is something I already knew before meeting Coach Kennedy. He believes I can develop into a great player and he loves my footwork right now.”
With new offers coming his way, Parker is eager to see what’s next for him on the recruiting trail. But he also wants to remain patient when it comes to deciding where he will play at the next level.
“I am waiting to see what options I have,” noted Parker. “So it will probably be towards the middle or the end of my senior year. I am not in a rush and I feel like I am starting to blow up. So I want to see how things go.”
