2020 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Parker Houston, TE, San Diego State University
Student-Athlete Profile:
- Parker Houston
- San Diego State University
- TE
- 6’3”
- 250lbs.
- Hometown: Sparks, NV
- Twitter: @8HOUSTON2
2018 Statistics:
- GP: 13
- Receptions: 16
- Receiving Yards: 178
- YPR: 11.13
- TDs: 2
As an athlete, what is your motivation?
To show all my family and friends that their support and sacrifices weren’t for nothing, and to make them all proud. I’m also motivated to be the best I can be in anything and everything I do. When it comes to football, you don’t need much motivation to do what you love.
What defines success for you?
Success to me is setting a goal and achieving that goal at the end of the day. I don’t count games by stats, I count them by wins or loses. If I lose a game I didn’t reach my goal and it would count as a failure.
What would your teammates say about the type of teammate you are?
My teammates would say that I am the teammate that always leads by example and if you’re not doing something right, he’ll let you hear it. A few of the guys call me “Old Reliable” because they can always count on me to do my job right and make a play when its needed.
What are some of your personal “rules” that you never break?
I never let myself get out of shape in season or during the off season. I don’t drink alcohol in the week leading up to the game. I never spend more money than I have. Always find time to simply relax. And it’s a cheesy one but I always give 110% in everything I do.
Who is the toughest player you’ve competed against during your collegiate career?
There are two guys that come to mind when I think of the toughest player I have played against. University of Houston’s Ed Oliver and Boise State’s Leighton Vander Esch.
Who is the best player in the NFL?
I personally never think that there is ever a best player in the league. There are too many attributes to compare and offense versus defense is always a factor. Plus each position requires different skills that when compared to others might seem obsolete.
What is your team of choice on Madden, why?
My Dad’s family is from the bay so growing up I have always been a 49ers fan. No matter how low their overall rating is on Madden, I always play as them.
Failure is inevitable in life. How do you handle situations that don’t go in your favor?
The first thing I do is I always try to figure out what went wrong. Once I establish what went wrong I can see what I need to do to fix and find and surround myself with those who can help me succeed the next time. I never let failures get me down, I always hold my head high. You never know when some one failed along side of you but sees you with your head high and it changes their attitude about it.
Is there a current/former NFL player that you model your game after?
I don’t really model my game after anyone. I always try to be the meanest, most aggressive guy on the field. It is how I’ve always played and how I will always play. I also always try to play the smartest I can, I’m likely to be one step ahead of my opponent.
Knowing what you do now, what would you go back and tell yourself as a High-School Freshman?
I would tell high school freshman Parker to get his ass in the weight room a lot sooner! I have noticed a huge difference in my play every year in college because my strength has increased. I wish my high school self would have been more of a “weight room guy.”
What is your go-to restaurant near campus?
Pesto Italian Craft Kitchen is one of my favorite spots that is near campus. I made friends with the owner when he opened it my freshman year and have felt welcomed every time since. The food is amazing!
If your life was a book, what would its title be?
If my life was a book it would be titled “Look Good, Feel Good, Play Good.”
What song or artist do you like but rarely admit to liking?
I’m pretty open about my music choices, I’m a big country guy but when I like a hip-hop or rap song my teammates usually give me a hard time about it.
If you could have dinner with anyone in the world, living or deceased, who would it be and why?
Jerry Rice! With out a doubt, he was my idol growing up. I have his jersey framed in my room at home and did a presentation on his life when I was in elementary school.
Forty-years from now, what do you want to be remembered for?
I want to be remembered as the kid who wasn’t recruited by his home town college and made it to the league anyways. I want to be remembered for the legacy that I left behind at San Diego State; mean, nasty, do it all Tight End who always had a smile on his face.
In 15 words or less, why should an NFL team invest in you?
I’m coachable, you want me to do something, I’ll do it! I wanna succeed!