Despite being a top offensive tackle in the nation, things were quite slow for Parker and for a couple of reasons.

First was the thing LSU is still facing: teams penciled him in as a tackle, while Parker wanted to stay as a tight end, despite his then-270 pound frame.

Second, his grades were somewhat of a concern, giving teams more of a pause in pursuing Parker to add him to their class. The grades improved, LSU pressed and received his commitment in October, figuring they would find his true position once he got on campus.