One of the nation’s best teams led by Class of 2016 LB Parker Workman

Exclusive interview with Bingham High School’s Workman

 

On a team loaded with talent for one player to standout says something about the skill set that individual possesses. That on the field statement resonates even more when the state’s best team is led by an underclassman. In the case of Bingham High School in South Jordan, Utah, Class of 2016 linebacker Parker Workman is the brute behind the brawn.

Workman and senior linebacker Daniel Langi form part of a stout front seven that helped guide the Miners to a 13-1 season topped off with a state championship defeating American Fork 20-3 in the Utah High School Football State Finals. The defense was so good collectively as a team they pitched four shutouts and held seven other teams to seven points or fewer in a game.

If those stats do not help paint a picture of dominance consider the Miners nearly defeated the nation’s top team, Bishop Gorman, 23-20 in Las Vegas.

Throughout the season Workman was there being mean, punishing, hard-nosed, and laying out lead blockers, running backs, quarterbacks, and anyone and everyone that got in his way – everything wanted in a combo defensive end 3-4 outside linebacker.

When the shoulder pads and helmets were put back on the shelves and Utah’s newly crowned state champs called it a season Workman had tallied 85 total stops with 18 sacks. He also caused five fumbles, picked up two fumble recoveries, had four pass deflections, scored a touchdown, and caused a quarterback hurry every time the opposition had to drop back to pass fearing what could be coming around his right side – No. 41.

In an exclusive interview Workman sat down to talk about his championship 2014 season, recruiting, and his love for the game.

 

Parker, first, congratulations on winning the state championship. Looking back what are your thoughts on how the Miners played in 2014?

“Our defense was very strong. We got a lot of 3-and outs putting our offense on the field as much as we could.”

You gave Bishop Gorman a scare in early September. What was that experience like going toe-to-toe with the nation’s top team?

“It was amazing. The whole game was an awesome experience. We had a couple of mistakes that led to our defeat but the game gave us confidence that if we could hang with the nation’s best team we could beat any team in the state of Utah this season.”

How do the Miners look heading into 2015?

“Up front on our defense line every one is returning. We have some big anchors on our offensive line coming back, some big wide receivers and some good cornerbacks. We have a good chance of taking state again next season.”

What does the team need to do in the offseason to repeat as state champs in 2015?

“We gotta keep up the intensity. The underclassmen have to fill the shoes of the people that played before us. We won state last year too and that is what we did this season filled in for the graduated players.”

What are your strengths on the field at outside linebacker?

“I’m real good at outside contain and pass rush. My favorite thing is wiping out fullbacks and pulling guards. I love rushing the passer. I’ve picked up a lot of tackles for a loss and can cut under making plays going the other way.”

What are your goals for the 2015 football season?

“My main goal is to be a leader on the team. Lead by example on and off the field and inspire others to win another state championship.”

Do you have any personal stat goals?

“To have the most sacks instate, have the most tackles on the team, and I would like to get a pick. I didn’t get one this year.”

What was your best game in 2014?

“My best game was probably against Alta High School (Sandy, Utah). I had five sacks. Against Riverton in our semifinal game I had a good game. I feel like all of my games were solid this year.”

With all the team success comes college recruiters. Which schools are showing interest in you?

“Utah and BYU are showing the most interest. Utah pulled me out of class to meet with me and asked to see my highlight film. The coaches said they are working on an offer. BYU pretty much said and did the same thing. Colorado put me on a poster, I’m not sure what that is supposed to mean?

“A lot of schools send mail. Of those schools Missouri sends the most. UCLA was at school one day but I missed that day and missed talking to the coaches.”

What type of feedback have you received from these colleges?

“Coach (Ilaisa) Tuiaki (Utah) said he really likes the way I play hard nose. The BYU coaches were all positive. The only negative I’ve heard is I have tight hips so I’ve been working on getting better there.”

What are the main factors you will consider in choosing a college?

“I’m really wide open. Everyone wants me to go to BYU but it’s an open decision, I could go anywhere.”

Are you going to attend any college camps this summer?

“I’m planning on going to BYU, the All Poly Camp, Utah, and maybe Stanford.”

Are there any college or NFL players you like to watch play the game?

“I’ve been to a couple Utah State games. No. 41 (Nick Vigil) for the Aggies plays linebacker and running back. I look up to him for being able to play both sides of the ball at a high level. There are a couple of guys on Utah’s team that are aggressive, physical, and hard-nosed that are fun to watch.”

Who has made the biggest impact on your football career?

“Coach (Dave) Peck, the head coach at Bingham, he’s a very inspiring guy. Since the 8th grade he has pushed me to be better than I ever thought I could be.”

What is your favorite part of playing football?

“I love the environment and being around all my friends. I like being physical with people and I love the hitting. Everything else comes after that. I just like doing what I love to play.”

 

Watching Workman’s highlight reel is just fun to do. No other way around it; unless you play on the other side of the ball for a local Utah high school team. He plays smash-mouth, full speed, and gets after it every play. He’s what the older generation calls a throwback player, meant with all the respect one former player can offer a current player.

At 6’3”, 210 pounds, the South Jordan area native has the frame to add more weight. He plays with a motor that could allow him to become a defensive end at the next level or remain an outside linebacker in a 3-4 Defense. He could also add on 25-30 pounds and be an All-Conference middle linebacker.

Workman’s future is unknown right now but what is known is he’s a force to be reckoned with on the field and his skill set, strength, and speed are only going to get better as he gets older making him one of the best players in the 2016 recruiting class.

 

Photo credit: standard.net; No. 41 Parker Workman forces a fumble.

Photo credit: saltlaketribune.com; No. 41 Parker Workman gets pressure on an opposing quarterback.