Interview: College Programs Scouting Shawnee Mission East Quarterback Parker Leise
Written by Charlie Beuttel
Twitter: @charlie_cds3
Parker Leise has brought his talents to the Kansas City area specifically to Shawnee Mission East High School after spending the first two years of his high school career at Creighton Prep. Through the first two games of his junior campaign, Leise and the Lancers are 1-1 with a big game this Friday night at Mill Valley.
This 6’2”, 210-pound, pro-style gunslinger plays with a great mindset and leadership on and off the field while possessing tremendous footwork and arm strength.
This Class of 2023 recruit already has an offer from Kansas and is drawing interest from numerous other schools.
In an exclusive Recruiting News Guru interview, I caught up with Parker to talk about his transfer, his crazy camp schedule this summer, and get an update on his recruiting process.
*Click link for June RNG interview with Parker Leise
Interview
Parker, how did your transfer from Creighton Prep to Shawnee Mission East come about?
My parents have business and family in Kansas City. They would spend considerable time each week commuting to KC from Omaha for business away from our family. That in combination with remote learning rules and covid protocols at Prep were the primary factors that lead to our relocation to KC in January of 2021.
What is your biggest adjustment to switching schools?
Covid was the biggest factor in my adjustment. When I started at SME, we were in hybrid learning, wearing face masks, and socially distanced. It was pretty isolating. I was able to start meeting friends as offseason activities were permitted. I was able to catch up quickly academically.
What are your thoughts on your junior season so far with the Lancers?
It has been an exciting start to our season. We are finding our rhythm with a new offense and guys learning new positions in many cases. Our senior class is packed with big-time leaders and talent and is a big reason for our early success. We have some underclassmen ballers too. Our coaches have put us in the best position to be successful. Naturally, we have details to keep refining but it is coming along nicely. I am confident this team is going to see continued success as the season moves along.
What are your strengths on the football field?
My teammates and coaches are the biggest sources of my strength. They inspire me to be the best version of myself as a QB. I work harder for my team. I work smarter for my team. I am a fierce competitor on and off the field. I will outwork my opponent to accomplish a mission or achieve a goal. I work to be 100 percent mentally, physically, and skillfully prepared to win championships. That mindset is my personal strength.
What kind of offense does Shawnee Mission East run?
I would characterize it as a pro-style offense with a dash of – I used to be a linebacker and run a 4.73, if provoked. We have tools in the house and will use whatever is necessary to dominate. We have guys that can hurt defenses on the outside, up the gut, and in the air. Our coaches have developed an offensive scheme that has an answer for any defensive look.
How do your skills fit into this offense?
I am a pro-style QB with a linebacker-style running game. I can work through progressions and find the opportunity in a defensive scheme.
What did you work on the most during the offseason?
Early in the offseason, I worked with Coach Justin Hoover at SpinIT QB Academy on my fundamentals. We trained three to four times per week. I was also privileged to be invited to play for Randy Wither’s Epic7Midwest 7v7 team during the spring competing around the Midwest. I would also organize and lead independent throwing sessions with my SME teammates. That time allowed us to get to know each other better
Did you attend any camps this summer?
Yes sir.
What was your favorite camp and why?
Attending camps was my favorite part of the summer. After missing all camp opportunities my sophomore year, I did not want to miss any this past summer. I started right out of the chute June 1st in Georgia with Coach Monken. We spent several hours together throwing and touring. We have continued our relationship by talking on Monday evenings.
From there I went to Iowa State, Mizzou, Nebraska, Dallas Mega Camp, Wisconsin, Notre Dame, K-State, Mizzou again, Kansas, Nebraska Friday Night Lights, Rise and Fire Chicago, NC State, Washburn Team Camp, Kansas again, Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas a third time, and finished at Penn State with Coach Yurcich.
I can’t pick a favorite. They all have special qualities. I have maintained weekly contact with several coaches from this summer’s camp visits so naturally those relationships mean the most to me at this point. As of Sept 1, I am starting to have contact with coaches from schools that I was not able to visit this summer
What kind of feedback have you received on your football skills?
Thanks to Coach Hoover and our offseason training, I was able to demonstrate sound fundamentals. My sophomore season high school film, camp film, and offseason competition film have also highlighted my QB acumen and demonstrated my skill set on the field. My junior year film will help check another important box in my recruiting.
Do you have any college offers?
Kansas.
Are you receiving interest from any other schools?
Yes. I have several coaches that I have maintained weekly contact with since May and June. I receive several notes and invites to attend home game visits. I wish I had time to attend every school that has extended invitations to me but time this fall is limited. I will make it to as many as I can fit into my schedule and that my parents will agree to chauffeur me to.
Is there an NFL player that you try to model your game after?
I do not have a specific player I model my style of play after but rather take bits and pieces of a player’s journey and learn from it. Of course, Patrick Mahomes is dynamic and fun to watch. Tom Brady is a disciplined machine. Russell Wilson is a master of the proper mindset. Drew Brees is an accuracy technician. I like watching all NFL QBs. Each has a story and a style I can draw from.
What game left on the schedule are you most looking forward to playing?
I look forward to only the next game on the schedule and winning each week’s championship game on Friday night.
What are your goals for the rest of your junior season?
My goal is to help lead my team to victory each practice, each game, and this season through hard work and deliberate focus. We will do that one perfectly executed day at a time. If we keep focused on each day, the weeks will take care of themselves.
What is your GPA?
3.66.
Thank you for your time and good luck the rest of the season.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Twitter.com; Shawnee Mission East QB Parker Leise