2022 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Jake Parker, WR, Howard Payne University

• Name: Jake Parker
• Position: WR
• College: Howard Payne University 
• Height: 6’1″
• Weight: 200 lbs
• Twitter:@jakecparker

1.What made you decide you wanted to be a football player?

I’ve always loved sports and competition. I played football, basketball, baseball since I was a kid but the intensity and physicality of football are what set it apart from every other sport for me. 

2.What are your favorite things about playing football for Howard Payne?

My coaching staff and everyone involved in Howard Payne football make it enjoyable to play at Howard Payne. Also, just the fact that they took me in and let me play football again. I hadn’t played a football game in 4 years and also was out of school for a while working in the oil field so just getting the opportunity to play football again is a blessing. 

3.What type of energy do you bring onto the football field?

I bring a lot of energy to the football field and my teammates feed off of that. You can ask anyone I have ever played with and they would tell you I have never lacked any energy on the football field. 

4.What are your biggest traits on the football field?

I have many traits on the football field but I would say my hands, toughness, and instincts are some of my better traits on the field. 

5.If you could hang out with any football player past or present for a day who and why?

I would have to go with Patrick Mahomes because we grew up together. 

6.What do you think are the keys to success on the football field?

Preparation, skill, work ethic, and execution. 

7.What is your favorite workout?

A full-body workout 

8.What is a moment in your football career that improved you as a football player?

The day I stopped playing football is really what improved me as a player even though I didn’t know it back then. Now I take nothing for granted and I know what it takes to be great. 

9.What should people know about Jake Parker the person?

I am very loyal to those that are close to me and I take pride in that.

10.What would a team get in a player like you?

They would get a tough receiver that loves the game more than anything and a player that would dedicate his life to football and winning.

11.What is your mindset when you are on the football field?

That no matter who is in front of me or how many guys are guarding me I will find a way to get open and that when I don’t have the ball you find out I can hit too. 

12.What sets you apart from other wide receivers?

My toughness and the way I catch the ball in traffic or with someone all over me. You have to be able to make the catch that not everyone can make.