Texas Lutheran defensive back Justus Parker sure knows how to make an entrance. In his first collegiate game, Parker tipped a pass from to himself and picked it off.
I wanted to know a bit more about the freshman from the highlight reel, so I reached out to him to hear about the pick, life at TLU, and Magic the Gathering.
Tell me about that interception last week. What was going through your head?
PARKER: I was just put into the game after an injury and the game speed was going fast. The opposing team was driving on us, we were blitzing and I was one on one with the corner so I was just thinking, read your keys and don't get burnt.
As he broke for the post my eyes saw the quarter back release the ball and I saw I had a chance to deflect it. As I blocked the ball it went up and that is a defensive backs worst nightmare as it could go straight to the wide receiver, so I laid out for it and ended up catching it. It was too fast to think; I knew what I had to do so I just reacted.
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COMPARE: Justus Parker vs. Denzel Ward
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Why did you pick Texas Lutheran?
PARKER: Coming out of high school, I had several colleges to chose from. Texas Lutheran was the one college that stood out to me; the coaches and I had a connection that showed they truly cared for me not only as a football player, but as a person. They care about your future at TLU and do everything in their power to ensure you a promising future.
How did you end up as a defensive back?
PARKER: In high school, my head coach saw it as a better choice for me to pursue defensive back instead of wide receiver. So I listened to him, and now here I am.
What is one part of your game you've been trying to work on in particular?
PARKER: My focus. It's easy for a freshman defensive back like me to think too much, and try to see too much of a play, ending up not seeing anything at all.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
PARKER: After graduating from Texas Lutheran in physics, I know that TLU will successfully prepare me for either the workforce or the ability to go after my masters degree. So in 10 years, I see myself in a good oil company,working up the chain, starting my family.
Favorite movie?
PARKER: Facing the Giants. I'm a softy for football movies, and the story this movie tells is amazing.
Guilty pleasure food?
PARKER: It has to be Pizza Rolls for sure. Extra ranch dipping sauce of course.
Someone on the team you look up to?
PARKER: Senior Defensive back Drake Dowling, he's a 4th year varsity player for the team. He has showed me the ropes, and really helped me in the weight room and watching film, as well as learning the defense.
What is one thing that the guys on the team would be surprised to know about you?
PARKER: I'm competitive in card games such as Yu-Gi-Oh and Magic the Gathering.
What NFL DB do you enjoy watching the most or do you try to emulate your game after the most?
PARKER: Kam Chancellor, he's just an animal and fun to watch.
What is your favorite Texas Lutheran tradition and why?
PARKER: After a win, we go over to the middle of campus and ring the victory bell. If we had an away game no matter what time it is we ring the bell as soon as we get off the bus, sometimes waking up the whole campus.[divider]
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