Florida Football: Interview with 3-Star IMG Academy Quarterback Parker Leise
Written by Charlie Beuttel
Twitter: @charlie_cds3
Parker Leise has taken his talents from the Kansas City area down to Florida to play for IMG Academy to finish out his high school career. The 6’2”, 215-pound, gunslinger has a strong-accurate arm, good field vision, and athleticism. Leise also has the unique ability to extend plays with his legs.
The Class of 2023 recruit currently holds two college offers from Kansas and Miami of Ohio but is drawing interest from numerous other schools.
In an exclusive Recruiting News Guru interview, I caught up with Parker to talk about his busy offseason between his junior and senior seasons and get an update on his recruiting.
When did you transfer to IMG Academy?
I was offered to play at IMG last year. I stayed in KC and played for Shawnee Mission East and my QB coach Justin Hoover. After my top finish at The All-American Bowl Combine, coach Dennis and coach Brey from IMG reached out again with an offer to be QB1 on the Varsity A team. I accepted the opportunity in January and reported to IMG in March. It has been the BEST decision. The level of coaching, training, and development is premier.
What have you been working on the most this offseason?
Early in the off season I was focused on speed, strength, and skill training. I was also preparing for The All-American Combine in San Antonio. I was able to improve my measurable to a 4.66 40, 4.2 shuttle, and 114 broad jump at various camps this spring and reported by the UC Report. That was a big goal for me this spring.
What camps have you attended this spring?
I have been blessed to earn MVP or Top Honors at every camp I have attended this off season. I started the offseason competing at Six Star Football in St. Louis earning an invite to The Six Star Finals in Kansas City in May. Then I was off to The All-American Bowl Combine in San Antonio earning All-Combine Team honors. I attended The VI QB by NextGen in Dallas the end of January.
I made a trip to Coach Holcomb’s Rise and Fire in Milwaukee. In mid-February I returned to Dallas to compete at the UC Underclassmen 5 Step QB Challenge where I earned MVP honors. I attended a Rivals Camp mid-April where I competed for top honors in Dallas. I earned a TOP GUN invite at FBU Camp in Indianapolis. I will finish out the spring competitions at Elite 11 in Nashville May 15th.
What other camps do you plan on attending this summer?
I have a list of camps on my radar for this summer. Right now, I am focused on our spring season at IMG learning and installing our new offense. I have several coaches that will be making a recruiting trip to IMG this spring to see me play. I will finalize my visits after our spring game with coach Dennis based on the interest I receive. I do have a few camps penciled on the calendar barring any conflicts and travel logistics. I will be attending Notre Dame’s Irish Invasion QB invite June 5.
What is some feedback that you’ve received about your skills from these skills?
I have received great feedback regarding my skill set, coaches like my solid fundamentals. I have a good spin rate and velocity on my ball. I have consistent and good accuracy. Coaches like my competitiveness and QB IQ. I have a confident mindset, competitive spirit, and fearless mentality.
Would you consider yourself a pro style or dual-threat quarterback?
I get this question often. I train as a pro-style QB. My skill set and acumen is a pro-style QB. I played both sides of the ball, QB/LB in middle school and as a freshman. I weigh 215 pounds and run a 4.66 40. I have no problem extending plays if provoked. My linebacker background, and the aid of having much older brothers, I tend to lower a shoulder and take on defenders if they catch me. The joke in our family is: A Leise in motion, is going to stay in motion and you will feel the contact. I am a pro-style QB 1st and a dual-threat QB second.
Is there an NFL quarterback that you most like to compare yourself too?
I like many traits of several NFL QBs. I like Tom Brady for his intelligence and competitiveness. Drew Brees is great for his accuracy and skill set and Patrick Mahomes for his play making ability to extend plays. I like Joe Burrow because he had to earn his wings the hard way. He had to persevere through rejection and prove himself to get recognized and when he got the chance he was successful.
How many college offers do you have?
I have an offer from KU and Miami of Ohio.
What other schools are showing interest in you?
I have had a great opportunity to take several visits this spring. I also get to meet and exchange communications with coaches. And I have several coaches that have visited IMG on their scouting trips. Beyond that, I can’t really gauge the level of interest at this point. I will be evaluating those relationships after our spring season here at IMG and making a summer camp schedule from there.
What are your goals for your senior season at IMG Academy?
My goals at IMG are to prepare myself mentally, physically, and skillfully at the highest level to win games and championships. I want to successfully run a high-level offense that demonstrates the type of football IMG stands for and the athletes that have the opportunity to play here.
How do your skills fit into the IMG offensive scheme?
I have a high QB acumen to be able to conceptualize the offensive schemes at the same time anticipate and read defenses. I can make all the throws required of IMG’s offense.
Is there a game on the upcoming schedule that you are most looking forward to playing?
I anticipate the next game at IMG. I am excited to get our team on the field and put our hard work and preparation to the test. I keep a 1-0 mentality. I will focus on the next task at hand.
Have you thought about when you’ll make a decision on your college commitment?
If the right opportunity presents itself, I will have no problem committing. The business of recruiting is a demanding. I think it takes away from development and the team. It has become time consuming maintaining relationships and responding to the demands of the recruiting process. I’m a pretty organized person and do well in school, I can’t imagine how some guys juggle the demands.
What is your GPA?
3.77.
Thank you for your time.
Thank you, sir.