Interview: 3-Star 2022 Arizona OL Parker Brailsford Showed Great Versatility with Saguaro

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

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There is a growing art to the play of Class of 2022 offensive lineman Parker Brailsford. The 6-3, 265-pounder, got nasty in the trenches lining up at all five spots on the line for Saguaro High School during the 2020 schedule. Using his quick feet, size, strength, and nasty streak, Brailsford worked his way to first team All-5A and second team All-Region in 2020. Following his success at one of Arizona’s powerhouse programs, six scholarship offers have been dropped.

For insight on his big season, offseason workouts, and recruiting process, Brailsford sat down for an RNG Q&A interview.

Interview

Parker, it is a lot of fun watching you mix it up in the trenches. You lock onto the defender and finish the play. Where does that mindset come wanting to bury a guy on the snap of the ball each time?

To be honest, sometimes you have to get angry. When I get angry, it is go time. You have to do that when you step on the field. You have to know when to turn it on and off.

Did you track the number of pancakes and/or knockdowns you got during the season?

No, I don’t.

If you had to guess, about how many were you getting a game?

I have no clue. Probably six to 10 per game, if I had to guess.

What offensive scheme were you guys running during the 2020 season?

We were running a no-huddle Spread with a lot of RPO (run-pass option).

From left to right tackle and down into the interior, you were lining up everywhere. Is there a position on the line you did not play this season?

Actually, not there is not. I played all five.

What was the cause for you moving from one spot to another?

We had a lot of injuries at the beginning of the year. Also, none of our transfers could play during the first four or five games. I had to move around, sometimes on the strong side or backside of inside zone plays. I was also working on the outside on zone plays.

Given the snaps at the different positions, the different footwork required, and the different style of defenders going against, how did your overall game improve during the 2020 schedule?

My run blocking improved a lot. I got a lot faster, and my feet got a lot faster, especially at tackle. You have to get down the line to block someone. I got a lot quicker laterally. When I went to tackle, when I first started, I had a tough time with my speed. At guard it is easier for me. But I got faster with my kick setting. Playing outside, I had to be more patient letting him come to me before I punch. I worked a lot on my one-arm punch to keep my inside arm free.

Beyond that nasty streak in you, the overall foundation of your blocking is so strong. Your feet are quick and you did a great job of rolling off a block or a combo block picking up a defender late. What are some of the other traits to your game you feel are strengths?

I feel like I have quick hands. If I need to get off someone, like you said, I can pass him on and I can get to the next level. I feel like my punch is strong, that is from working out. Finishing your blocks, you always have to finish.

With the season wrapping in late November, how have you hit the weight room this winter?

I have been in the weight room hard. I am trying to get to 275 pounds for next season and trying to get bigger right now for spring ball. We haven’t been able to workout as a team, so I have been working out on my own. I work up to a heavy one-rep, where you have one or two in the tank, then I drop the weight and go five sets of five. I do that with bench, squat, clean, and deadlifts.

What goals for strength in the weight room have you set?

By summer I want to hit 600 on squat, trying for 360 on bench, and I want my clean around 345.

That’d be awesome. What have you been working on already with your skillset?

I have been going to the park working on footwork and doing ladder drills. I am trying to keep my speed up as I get bigger.

Rolling into recruiting. Which schools are showing interest but have not offered yet?

Utah has sent a lot of mail, UCLA, Oregon, and Oregon State are sending some things. Those are the main ones. Cal is showing some love.

How many offers have been given to you?

Six.

Which program was the first and the last to offer?

NAU (Northern Arizona) was the first and Colorado was the last.

Brailsford’s Offer Sheet: Arizona, Colorado, Michigan State, New Mexico, Northern Arizona, and USC

When visits it going again, are there any programs you’d like to go see?

Yeah, I want to see Colorado, Michigan State, Arizona, and USC. I am really interested in seeing Oregon. Those are the main ones right now.

Parker, it was great getting time in with you this offseason. Wishing you continued success with your workouts.

Thank you, sir.

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Photo credit: Brailsford family; Parker Brailsford