12/18/2019 football Edit

Letter of intent No. 11: Linebacker Jayland Parker

Matt Carter • TheWolfpackCentral

Editor

Three-star linebacker Jayland Parker from Macon (Ga.) Westside High has signed his letter of intent with NC State football.

Measurables

At the All-American combine last January had a 6-foot-4.5 wingspan and ran the shuttle in 4.74 seconds … Had a 35.0-inch vertical and 9-foot-5 standing broad jump.

Stats

Senior: Posted 55 tackles, including seven for loss and a sack, and added a pick six and a fumble recovery.

Junior: Contributed 58 tackles (four for loss), two interceptions, three pass breakups and a fumble recovery.

Ratings

Rivals.com: Three stars, No. 46 outside linebacker in the country and No. 67 player in the state.

247Sports: Three stars, No. 30 inside linebacker in the country and No. 64 player in the state.

ESPN: Three stars, No. 14 inside linebacker in the country and No. 66 player in the state.

Honors/Accomplishments

• Participated in the Georgia Rising Seniors All-Star Game after his junior season.

• Was honorable mention all-region as a sophomore.

• Also played basketball at Westside.

Recruitment

• Originally made a verbal commitment to Colorado over NC State and Purdue in July.

• Decommitted from the Buffaloes in September and made official visits to NC State and Arizona.

• Picked NC State on Nov. 7 and is expected to enroll early.

Recruiter Of Record

Tight ends coach/special teams coordinator Todd Goebbel

Quotable

"Parker is physical, but he is also is athletic enough to cover. He played safety much of his high school career, so he is a versatile player. This is a great pick-up for the Wolfpack."

— Rivals.com recruiting analyst Chad Simmons

Scouting Report

• Athletic linebacker that can run.

• Projects as either a “Will” or “Buc” in NC State’s 3-3-5 defense.

• Will need to continue to get stronger. Ended his junior season around 195-200 pounds and played last year at about 210 pounds.

2020 Projection

NC State has fairly good depth at linebacker so it does not necessarily require the services of Parker. That allows him to develop at his own pace, but Parker is also a good athlete who could find a way on special teams potentially as soon as this upcoming season.