National Signing Day: Parker inks with Wofford College

Published 4:30 pm Wednesday, February 1, 2023

TIFTON — Tyler Parker will be switching out his blue and white gear for black and gold after signing with Wofford College (S.C.) Feb. 1, part of National Signing Day across America.

Parker put pen to paper at the Tift County High School media center, where he was joined by family, friends, coaches and teammates across various sports.

Director of football operations, J.C. Clark emceed the ceremony.

Clark said he first encountered Park in recreation football and has known him well through the years. “This is the path you’re supposed to be on,” said Clark. “You’re a phenomenal athlete, you’re a phenomenal young man. What God has in store for you goes beyond what you can even imagine right now.”

Parker thanked everyone for helping him during high school and keeping his head on straight. He thanked his mom for getting him on the right track. He’s setting a good example for his little sister. “I know she’s looking up to me,” he said.

Wofford is located in Spartanburg, which Blue Devils assistant Derrick Farrow pointed out is approximately five hours from Tifton. Locals will have a chance to see him at a location much closer. The Terriers are members of the Southern Conference, which includes Mercer.

Getting a full scholarship to a Division I school is “Amazing to us,” said head coach Noel Dean. There had been several conversations in the last few weeks with Wofford. “They’re so excited about having Tyler up there in conversations we’ve had,” Dean said.

The Terriers’ head coach may not be familiar to Tift Countians, but his name, Shawn Watson, sure sounds that way. (TCHS’ Shawn Watson coaches wrestling.)’

“We’re very grateful, we’re very honored,” Dean said.

Farrow said to Parker that he knew how difficult it was for him not knowing how everything would turn out. “It was hard going into that weight room Monday through Friday when your mind and body is telling you ‘No.’ It was hard taking those losses this year.”

Parker grew from those experiences.

“You learned how to handle ‘hard,’” Farrow said. That will come in handy, he said, for those first tough months of college. “Keep showing up.” TCHS assistant Jamario McClendon gave him college advice and told Parker to make sure he got his diploma.

Parker already has academic plans. He said he plans on majoring in nursing and becoming a travel nurse.

A four-year letterman in football, starting since his freshman year. Most of his snaps have been played at wide receiver and quarterback and he has also made solid contributions to special teams.

He is responsible for 28 touchdowns over his high school career, starting with a 15-yard pass he threw against Parkview in 2019. Parker ran for 13 touchdowns, caught eight, threw for six and returned one kickoff.

The 22 touchdowns scored ties him with Barry Bennett ties him for seventh all-time in the Tift County record book (1962-present). Parker scored five touchdowns against Worth County in 2020, tying Kaream Hess and Rashad Daniels for most by a Tift player in a single game.

Parker said he is already looking forward to the Terriers’ first game in 2023, which will be at Pittsburgh.

Basketball and track are Parker’s other sports. He has scored more than 500 points — and counting — for the Blue Devils and starred on their Region 1-7A championship team in 2021.

Wofford announced 10 signings on its website and social media. Two other members of the 2023 signing class are from the Peach State, O’marion Brown (Manchester) and Khayri Mapson (Lithia Springs).