Kansas Football: Interview with Newton Rising 2023 DT Ricky Parga
Written by Charlie Beuttel
Twitter: @charlie_cds3
Ricky Parga burst onto the scene in 2020 with Newton High School (2-7) as the young defensive tackle had 22 total tackles including six for a loss during his sophomore season. The 5’10”, 260-pound, defender has tremendous strength and athleticism along with good quickness, footwork, and speed. Ahead of his junior season, Parga is working hard to hone his craft preparing for a breakout 2021 campaign that will help draw college scouts to the Railroaders sidelines.
In an exclusive Recruiting News Guru interview, I caught up with Ricky to talk about his sophomore season and his preparations for his junior campaign.
Interview
Ricky, how would you grade your performance during your sophomore season?
I would grade my performance a B-minus during my sophomore season.
What would you say was your best game and why?
My best game would be against Campus, because I stopped the run and I put pressure on the QB almost every time and it led to interceptions.
What are your strengths on the football field?
My strengths on the football field are my strength and speed.
What kind of defensive scheme does Newton run?
My team runs a 4-3.
How do your skills fit into this defensive scheme?
My strength helps me take on those double teams as a defensive tackle.
What do you like most about playing on the defensive line?
I get to cause disruption at the line of scrimmage and I get to be nasty and aggressive.
Is there an NFL player that you try to model your game after?
Aaron Donald (LA Rams).
What are your maxes in the weight room?
My max bench is 325, my max squat is 525, and my max power clean is 260.
What are you working on the most this offseason?
I’m working on my speed and agility.
What is one area of your game that you’ve seen improvement in?
Explosion off the ball.
Do you play any other sports in high school?
I did wrestle my freshman year, but I hurt my knee so didn’t do it my sophomore year. But I plan on doing it my junior year along with track.
What is your favorite subject in school and why?
Math, because I like doing it and I just think it’s fun.
Who is your role model and why?
My dad, because he came from Mexico as an illegal when he was 16 with nothing. He and his brothers started a small company and now it’s a multimillion-dollar company. He proved that you can do anything you want if you put your mind to it and don’t need a college degree or high school diploma.
What are your goals for your junior season?
My goal is to get five-plus sacks, lead 5A in tackles for loss, have 30-plus tackles, and make first team All-State.
What is your GPA?
2.8.
Do you have a favorite quote or Bible verse?
Philippians 4:13 “I can do anything through Christ who strengthens me.”
Thank you for your time today.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Twitter.com; Newton DT Ricky Parga