Bowling Green State University Athletics
BG's Parks Emerges as Defensive Force
November 15, 2006 | Football
Nov. 14, 2006
By JACK CARLE, Sentinel Sports Editor - If Devon Parks is not the most-held defensive lineman in the Mid-American Conference, he's very close to the top.
At 6-foot-3, 252 pounds, Parks uses his speed and quickness to create havoc on opposing offensive linemen and therefore the opposing quarterback from his defensive end position.
Parks, who has started 46 games in his Bowling Green career, is set to play his final game in Perry Stadium Wednesday against Miami. Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m.
When asked if he was the most-held lineman in the MAC, Parks responded with a huge laugh and then said "I'm laughing, just put it that way. I try not to think about it, because if you get in the mind-set that people are holding you then that will stop you from going as hard as possible."
Parks has 12 1/2 tackles for loss this season and is in the top five in the MAC with eight sacks.
"We watch film and it does seem like he's getting the clamps put on him," BG head coach Gregg Brandon said when asked if Parks was constantly being held.
Parks likes to plead his case with the officials in hopes of getting a call at a critical time.
"Early in the game, I will comment that my jersey didn't get this way by itself or just comments like that so in the third or fourth quarter when it counts maybe a call will go the defense's way," Parks said.
For his career, Parks has been in on 182 tackles with 36 tackles for loss, 21 sacks and five forced fumbles. His tenacity, work ethic and a huge dose of extensive film study have helped make him one of the top defensive ends in the MAC.
"He rises to the competition. That's what I've always liked about Parksie," Brandon said. "He's a high motor guy and plays with a lot of intensity. He brings it every snap.
"He's really worked on his pass rush technique. He's going to do the little things to make himself a good player. He's a very conscious kid as far as just studying the opponent," Brandon added. "He puts in the time studying offenses and how they are going to block him."
Parks credits Ken Kowalski, BG's video coordinator, with helping him become a better player.
"He's been a pretty big guy in helping me succeed, just giving me video clips of opposing teams," Parks said. "He's been a big key to a successful season."
After graduating from Libertyville (Ill.) in January 2003, Parks enrolled at BG, in an effort to get a jump-start on football and his academics.
The decision paid off on the field as Parks started every game his freshman year and was named a freshman All-American by collegefootballnews.com.
"I'm not trying to sound cocky, but that's part of the reason I graduated early and came in because I wanted to start it off right. I didn't want to sit on the bench," Parks said. "I came in early and put in extra work."
Coming to BG has also helped Parks develop and mature as a person and in the classroom.
"It's been pretty good," Parks said about his experience at BG. "I've learned a lot about people and grown a lot since I've been here. I've learned about hard work and all those good things that will make you successful in life."
After the current semester ends, Parks plans to move to the Los Angeles area, where he lived until age 13, and finish his degree on-line.
But first there are two more football games remaining in his career. After Wednesday's final home game, the Falcons close out the season at arch-rival Toledo.
"It's gone kind of quickly," Parks said about his four years at BG. "But it's kind of time (to go). It's winding down in what's been a good career in my opinion."
Opposing linemen may not have a printable comment on Parks' career, but they will be more than happy when he's done playing at BG.
