Interview: 2019 Pennsylvania DL/OL Talent Parker Titsworth Drawing Attention in North Allegheny Trenches
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
When the lights turn on, the chin strap is buttoned, and the cleats are laced up, the North Allegheny High School football team does not want to be your friend. The Tigers have run rough over opposing 6A Pennsylvania competition pushing their record to 4-0 with a No. 9 in-state MaxPreps ranking. The offense has been mean and the defense has been relentless, and that may be the exact embodiment of Class of 2019 offensive/defensive lineman Parker Titsworth.
Titsworth is just one of those guys, a true football player, that you can line up just about anywhere on the field and he will produce. The motor and will to succeed is there along with the athleticism to play right guard and anywhere needed in the trenches on defense. At 6-1, 265, he can create chaos at nose guard with his quickness and power, he can seal the edge and pressure the quarterback at end, and he can fill the gaps at a 3- and/or 5-technique. If that is not enough, from the snap of the ball to the echo of the whistle, he plays the good kind of nasty finishing plays looking to impose his physical will on the opposition.
Nagging injuries have slowed his roll on the recruiting trail but all of that is changing. Titsworth is putting film together that has already attracted Robert Morris, Dayton, and Navy among others. His 3.8 cumulative GPA and 1100 on the SAT shows his dedication to being a student-athlete.
In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, Titsworth and I sat down for a Q&A interview covering his skills on both sides of the ball with a quick recruiting update.
Interview
Parker, the Tigers have come out of the gate hungry this year rolling to a 4-0 record. What is working for the team on offense leading to an average of 43 points scored per game?
“The offensive line is a different unit this year. We are more of a family and encouraging each other. Our running back play with Ben Maenza has been great, I am sure he is leading WPIAL in rushing yards (486) and touchdowns (10).”
The defense has been stifling only allowing 15 points per contest, what is working well on that side of the ball?
“We are a family on that side of the ball as well. We have a relentless mentality, we come after you. Our defense is really edgy this year.”
Where all are you lining up on the field for the Tigers this year?
“I am playing right guard on offense. On defense, I am lining up at a 3- to 5-tech, some at defensive end, and I work in at nose guard here and there.”
Between playing guard and defensive tackle/end, which side of the ball do you like playing on best?
“It is tough to say. I want to play defense at the next level because I like hitting people. Our offensive line coach, Coach Buchert, I love him. In my opinion, he is the best in the state at what he does. I love playing for him. I cannot emphasis enough how great our entire coaching staff is for us.”
Given all the positions that you play, what did you work on this offseason to prepare for your senior year?
“I worked a lot on speed and twitchiness. I worked on having violent hands and my all-around speed. I dropped 40 from a 5.2 down to the 4.91 range.”
Where are you seeing the biggest growth in your overall skillet this season?
“As mentioned, the violent strike off the ball, my twitch off the ball has improved greatly, and my violence at the point of attack. I have been playing angry this year.”
(Laugh) Funny enough, we will circle back around to that in two questions. Taking it a step further from the thread we were on, what are the strongest points of your game?
“My one-on-one pass rush is a big part of my game. I have been working on double-teams, taking them on and standing my ground.”
As promised. In football, this is a good thing – one can tell you play angry out there getting after it finishing plays. What is your mentality on the field that drives the competitive fire?
“My mentality is to play every play like it is your last. The game was taken away from me too quickly last year (injury). I feel like I have something to prove this year.”
It is early in the preparation process, but you get Mt. Lebanon (2-2) next. What kind of game are you expecting from the Blue Devils?
“Over the past few years it has been a physical test. We have to stick to the game plan and try to out will them up front. We have to set the tone from the beginning.”
Going into recruiting, which schools are showing interest in you?
“Duquesne, Robert Morris, Navy and I have a game invite to Dayton.”
Have you taken any visits yet?
“Yes. I have been to Duquesne twice, once my sophomore year and once this summer. I have also been to a Robert Morris camp and a game there.”
Do you have any planned visits upcoming?
“I have one set so far. I am attending a game at Dayton sometime this fall.”
What is one thing most people do not know about you?
“I am really laid back and easy to talk to off the field. I enjoy conversations with others. I prefer face to face conversations than over the phone.”
What type of student-athlete is Parker Titsworth?
“I strive to be the best person I can be not only in the classroom but on the field as well. I am a dedicated, hard-working, and goal driven individual who is hungry for success.”
Parker, I appreciate your time today. Good luck with the rest of the 2018 season.
“Thank you.”
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Photo credit: North Allegheny High School; No. 51 Parker Titsworth