A Texas-Sized Prize: Parker Now an Aggie

Fourteen Central City football players signed with Division I schools Wednesday, including Locke running back Sirr Parker, who announced he will attend Texas A&M.;

Parker, one of the nation’s most sought-after running backs, also considered offers from USC, UCLA, Notre Dame, Nebraska, Washington, and Arizona.

Parker, a 6-foot, 185 pound senior, narrowed his choices to Washington and Texas A&M; before announcing his decision Wednesday.

Parker said he wants the opportunity to play with Aggie tailback Leeland McElroy, who led the nation in kickoff return average.

“I feel that I can benefit from playing with a player of his caliber,” he said. “A&M; has a tailback-oriented offense which I like very much. I wanted to go where I felt good about playing my first year.”

If McElroy enters the National Football League draft in April, Parker said he would not be upset.

“I would be the No. 1 guy,” Parker said.

Parker also wanted to move to Texas to be closer to his younger brother Donyea Marshall.

“I don’t get to see much during the year while I’m living in California,” Parker said.

Locke offensive linemen James Lewis (6-5, 230) signed with Arizona, while Brian Battey (6-2 265) has received offers from Fresno State, Arizona State, San Diego State, San Jose State and American International College, but remains unsigned.

Crenshaw lineman Kabeer Smith (6-4, 220), who was selected Central City lineman of the year, signed with San Diego State.

Jefferson’s Eboni Wilson (6-3, 245), one of the area’s strongest player, signed with Washington State. He also was recruited by USC, Hawaii, Iowa State and Missouri.

Former Democrat defensive back Robert Robinson (5-10, 170) signed with Hawaii after sitting out a season. Democrat running back Issac Hatley will walk-on at San Diego State.

Loyola offensive tackle Matt Pentacost (6-4, 273) signed with UCLA and kicker Mark McDonald (6-2, 185) signed with Arizona.

This was also a rewarding season for former area high school players who competed last season at community colleges.

Southwest defensive back Brad Freeman (5-11, 201) signed with University of New Mexico, while Cougar defensive end Oliver Ross (6-6, 245) decided on Iowa State.

Offensive linemen Harold Bell (6-4, 258) and Eddie Blakley (6-4, 245) of Southwest will remain teammates at Kentucky.

West L.A. and former Dorsey defensive back James Henderson (6-0, 205) signed with Iowa State, while West L.A. and former Washington defensive end Wade White (6-1, 255) will attend Northern Illinois.

West L.A. and former Dorsey wide receiver Chris Miller (5-11, 175), the cousin of USC receiver Keyshawn Johnson, signed with the Trojans.

Harbor College and former Dorsey defensive back Demetric Crockett (6-1, 190) signed with Northern Illinois.