When TCU quarterback Casey Pachall drops back to pass against San Diego State Saturday evening, he will probably want to avoid throwing the ball in the direction of Larry Parker. Parker, SDSU’s outstanding senior cornerback is currently leading the team in interceptions and he has narrowly missed grabbing a few others.
The former St. Augustine High all-league star was known more for his ability as a receiver and as a punt and kickoff returner in high school. The multi-talented Parker also excelled on the prep level as a quarterback. That kind of versatility is not only valuable to the SDSU Aztecs , but it also makes him knowledgeable as a coach.
During the past two summers Parker has shared his knowledge with some South Bay kids who might one day choose to follow in his footsteps.
“For the past two summers I have coached over at Eastlake High with the Eastlake youth program,” Parker said. “I like helping out and giving something back to the community. Carlos Milsap, who coaches the Eastlake Pee Wee Division team called me up and asked me if I would be interested in helping out.”
Parker and Milsap have known each other for years and he was happy to help out his old friend.
“I worked as a cornerbacks coach and showed them a little technique, nothing too hard,” Parker explained. “They are still young, so I just showed them the basics of the technique that we use. The idea is to just help them to improve. Maybe someday some of them will become college athletes or even go farther than that.”
For Parker, it has turned out to be as much of a learning experience as it has been a teaching experience.
“Working with them has helped me to better look at myself,” he said. “I hear what my coach says to me when he tells me I am not doing something correctly. Now, I can better understand why he says that. The kids think they are doing the skill right, too, but watching it from the (eyes of a coach), I can see what they are doing wrong. The kids feel the same way that I feel when I am practicing. Playing the role of a coach has helped me to become a better player.” Parker said.
His players will get the opportunity to see him demonstrate his ball-hawking skills when Parker and his Aztecs teammates take on 20th ranked TCU on Oct. 8 at 7:30 p.m. at Qualcomm Stadium. The first 28,000 fans in attendance will receive a Marshall Faulk Hall of Fame cap. For tickets and additional information, visit: www.goaztecs.com.
