Our Virginia Tech contributor @HokieGuru comes through again with an interview of former Hokie football player D.J. Parker. Enjoy!
We are delighted here at SCACC Hoops to have an interview with former Virginia Tech football player, D.J. Parker. He played safety at Virginia Tech and was the leader of the defense. Here’s what current defensive backs coach, Torrian Gray, had to say about Parker.
"D.J.'s the kind of guy who brings a sense of calmness when he's playing," defensive backs coach Torrian Gray said. "He played through every game last year and he's a great communicator as far as making the checks and adjustments, so when he's back there, things just run very smoothly.
"There's also a sense of confidence for the entire defense that comes from that. And that's the key role he plays on this team, besides simply being a senior leader."
That’s high praise coming from Gray who has seen many of his players go on to the NFL… and Parker is one who did that… he had a brief stint in the NFL with the San Francisco 49ers. We thank him our spending some time with us… our interview follows below:
What made you decide to become a Hokie?
The great players before me such as Michael Vick, Cornell Brown, Corey Moore influenced me to go to Virginia Tech. VT was my only offer coming out of High School so I really didn’t have any other options. But once they offered me I was excited to attend a great school.
How often do you get down to Blacksburg for a football game?
I try to at least make it to one game a year. But, I watch every game and I still make mental notes on things that happen during the game. I like to stay in contact with players to help them out to better their game. Just give advice here and there.
On a professional basis, what are you doing today?
I am currently working for a property management company in the Northern Virginia area.
How long did you play in the NFL?
I signed a free agent deal with the San Francisco 49ers. I went through Training camp but was released before the regular season. It was a great experience.
What position did you play in the NFL?
Free Safety
Who are some of the NFL guys you still stay in contact with?
I pretty much stay in contact with all the guys who I graduated with.
· Justin Harper
· Brandon Flowers
· Duane Brown
· Josh Morgan
· Deangelo Hall
· Chris Ellis
· Carlton Powell
In a few words, please tell your fans about the 2007 Hokies on the defensive side of the football. That was one of the best defenses that I’ve ever seen at Virginia Tech.
We were a very fast and passionate defensive that wanted to be the best in the land! It was an honor to play for a great coach such as Bud Foster and every player on the defensive side of the ball gave 110% every day.
What are your most memorable defensive play(s)? For me, of course, it’s the special teams play right here...
I was at this game and the stadium exploded.
That play was GREAT! All the credit to Duane Brown and Jeff King for getting the block and for the other guys leading the way. That was my first collegiate touchdown, so that play is pretty special to me. Vinny Fuller was my mentor in the secondary my freshman year, so to make a play that was almost identical as his was cool also.
What is your fondest memory at Virginia Tech?
First day on campus and just seeing freshman moving in and the atmosphere on the campus were great! I knew it was going to be a great four years.
How much do you miss your time at Virginia Tech?
I miss Virginia Tech a lot. I say it all the time that I wish I could go back and do four more years. I really miss playing in Lane Stadium in front of the best fans in the land.
Let’s talk a little bit about the current football team. What do you think of Frank Beamer’s coaching staff changes?
I think the changes are great.Bringing in a Hokie great such Cornell Brown is big because he has so much knowledge about the game. He will do a great job of developing the young players and helping that defense continue to be great. Also, Shane Beamer is a great addition coming from the SEC. He’ll be able to go down south and do some great recruiting for VT.
What is your prognosis for the 2011-2012 Virginia Tech Hokies?
I think they will be just fine. We will be Virginia Tech and stick to the formula. Play great defense with great special teams play. We still have weapons on the offensive side of the ball and Logan Thomas will lead the offense.
In four of the last six years, Virginia Tech has been the Atlantic Coast Conference leader in football. To what do you attribute that success? Coaching longevity? The top-notch strength and conditioning program? Elite players?
We have ran the ACC the past few years and I think it’s due to the longevity of the coaching staff, strength and conditioning program, and elite players. Everybody working together to achieve one goal and that’s to win the ACC championship. With a great coach and leader in Coach Beamer Virginia Tech will continue to recruit well and compete for the Championship every year.
Any advice for the young men out there that read this about getting ready for college and beyond from your experiences being a NFL and College football player?
I would just tell the young players to continue to work hard and practice your craft. Be a student of the game and carry yourself as a pro on and off the field. Education is very important so work hard to graduate! Football doesn’t last forever so you will eventually need your education to fall back on. If your dream is to play in the NFL take the necessary steps to put yourself on that path. There is no I in team so as long as the team does well individual awards will come.
We at SCACC Hoops thank D.J. Parker for his time. GO HOKIES!!
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