Interview: Six-Offer 2021 Tennessee DE Parker Petersen is a Top Overlooked Recruit
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The six college football scholarship offers may have one lean a different way, but Class of 2021 defensive end Parker Petersen is a top overlooked recruit. At 6-6, 230-pounds, Petersen has shown he belongs competing against the best of the best Tennessee has to offer. In addition to the scholarship recognition, Petersen is fresh off a Defensive Player of the Game award after taking on No. 1 Brentwood Academy compiling five tackles, two tackles for a loss, a sack, four quarterback hurries, and he blocked a punt. With a frame to add more bulk, Petersen already has the speed, get-off, and great use of hands. His back-to-back Tennessee state runner-up finishes in wrestling aid in his relentless attack against top in-state offensive tackles.
In another visit with RNG, the Father Ryan (Nashville) standout updates us on his offseason workouts, early 2020 season success, and recruiting process.
*Click link for April 2020 RNG interview with Parker Petersen
Interview
Parker, when you wrapped up your junior season you were a standout against top Tennessee competition as a defensive end. When you entered into the offseason which areas of your game did you focus on improving?
Overall, I wanted to improve on my size and speed. I worked on that. With the extra time during quarantine, I was able to workout a lot, work on my speed, and on my pass rush too. Speed, size, and pass rush were the biggest things for me this offseason.
What style of defense were you guys running in 2019 and what were your roles within the scheme?
We ran a 3-4 style defense. I was the end, controlling the gap and keeping the QB in the pocket. Essentially, I was controlling the box and the quarterback.
Which moves did you work on this offseason?
Mainly I was working with my hands, speed off the ball, and flipping my hips. I feel like I am naturally good with my hands and at using my hands with my background in wrestling. I am getting the advantage quicker with my speed.
Let’s sidebar on wrestling. Tell me about your background in that. Were you guys able to get a wrestling season in for the 2019-20 season?
We were able to get this season in before the virus. Finishing my sophomore and junior years, I was second in state both years. I lost in my finals matches in both years. My junior year, the only person I lost to was the person in the finals. There were no worries for me except for that one guy.
Congratulations on all your success with wrestling. I can see that helping you on the gridiron.
Yes, sir.
Back to football. How did you add more power to your game over the spring and summer months?
Oh man, I was doing it all. I had a workout routine put together by my dad. He called up a buddy, who is an old college football coach, to put one together for me. I was doing deadlifts, squat, bench, and power lifts like that. Some days were all legs, then all arms, and some both legs and arms. I did a lot of conditioning and ate a lot of protein and food.
I bet you ate your family out of the house. With your speed, did you get to clock that at a camp this offseason?
Yes, sir. At a camp, I ran a 4.6-flat hand-timed.
Where all are you lining up on the field this season?
Right now, I am primarily at defensive end. My coaches also have me at right tackle, but I have limited playing time there. They want to keep me fresh on defense. I am always there at right tackle if they need. Whatever the coaches need me to do, I will do.
You guys are running a 3-man front defense this season, are you doing anything differently within the scheme this season?
Nothing different from last year, but we do have some new plays. Everything is pretty much the same.
The Irish (0-2) took on No. 1 ranked Brentwood Academy (5-0) on Friday fighting to a 34-21 finish. As of right now, you could not play a better team per the rankings. How did the marquee game go for you?
As a team we played great. There were some small mistakes we made that hurt us in the long run. As a team, we need to believe we can win those important games. If we do that, it will change our attitude and help us pull out those wins.
For me, I got Defensive Player of the Game. I had a blocked punt, that was a game changer. They were down around their 20-yard line, it was a scoop and I almost scored. We did score on that drive. Overall, we all played really well. We need to improve on the small mistakes.
Which parts of your game were you able to showcase against Brentwood?
My speed and willingness to hit. I don’t hesitate to make big tackles or to go all in.
Is there a trait to your game that might get overlooked by the fans in the stands and college scouts?
That is a good question. I’d say my leadership. Some people knowing my personality, they wouldn’t see me as the leader that I am. On the field, I lead by example and with words. I know my teammates know that. If we are talking about fans and coaches, that might be overlooked.
Is there any technical part to your game that you might add to that?
I’d say my strength and hands. I am really good at using my hands on the defensive line.
With all the work put into your game, what do you now feel are the strengths to all that you bring to the field?
Leadership, I have noticed a spark in my teammates seeing me doing something good. They bring more excitement to the game after a big play. I said it already, but no fear to hit and my speed.
Next up is Green Hill, what kind of game are you expecting from them?
They are a young team. I am expecting us to go out as a team with excitement. I feel we will take the field win and play balls to the wall. Knowing my team, knowing we will come out with energy and excitement, we can dominate that game.
Are there other hyped games coming up for you and the team this season?
Off the top of my head, McCallie; that is our homecoming game. That is a pretty big game. Last year, we held on in that one; it was a great game. If we play the way we did against them last year, it will be a really good game again this year.
For the entirety of the season, what goals have you set for yourself?
Overall, I want to get bigger and stronger and I want to leave it all out on the field showing what I can do. I want to make a difference and be a game changer for my team. When my high school career is over, I want to leave Father Ryan with everyone seeing me as a leader on and off the field by showcasing my work ethic on and off the field.
Nice. Let’s talk recruiting. Which schools are showing interest?
Kansas State, they are a big one, Austin Peay, Vanderbilt, I am talking to a few of their coaches, and Cal. Michigan State, Rutgers, Tennessee-Chattanooga, Nebraska, Holy Cross, Southern Illinois, and Lafayette are all showing interest as well.
How many offers have been handed to you?
Six.
Petersen’s Offer Sheet: Bucknell, Eastern Kentucky, Missouri State, Murray State, Tennessee Martin, and Tennessee Tech
Before the dead period began, did you take any unofficial visits?
I had a chance to visit Colorado School of Mines after a camp up there. I did a tour of the school. That was the only visit I did because of the quarantine. I did take an unofficial to Northwest Missouri State, my dad’s alma mater.
Have you taken any virtual visits?
Yes, I did one at the beginning of the quarantine with Virginia for wrestling.
Which schools have extended wrestling offers?
I have a couple, Arkansas-Little Rock (UALR) and Air Force.
Do you have any planned virtual visits?
I have one with Southern Illinois today (Monday). That will be fun.
If visits were allowed tomorrow, are there any campuses you’d like to see?
I’d love to visit Kansas State, Missouri State, and Bucknell.
Being a senior with all the oddness going on, how are you approaching the recruiting process?
I am dealing with it well. With school and football, there is more on my plate than I have ever had but the process is fun. I am enjoying it. It can be stressful, but I am enjoying it.
When you make your final decision, what criteria will you inform your verbal commitment?
I am looking for somewhere with an amazing team dynamic, good academics, and a place where I will be pushed to exceed my limits in football and in the classroom. I think that is what it can be boiled down to.
Parker, we covered a lot of ground today. I thank you for your time and wish you and the Fightin’ Irish a successful season until we talk again.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Petersen family; Parker Petersen on the field (2020)