NFL DraftNFL NewsProspect Interviews

2022 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Tariq Parkings, OL, University of Charleston (WV)

University of Charleston (WV) has a massive lineman in Tariq Parkings who recently sat down with Draft Diamonds Justin Berendzen.
  • Name: Tariq Parkings
  • Position: OL
  • College: University of Charleston (WV)
  • Height: 6’4″
  • Weight: 342 lbs
  • Twitter: @TariqParkings
  • Instagram: @tariqparkings

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

As a child growing up, I would often watch my friends play the game but I didn’t quite understand. I tried and made the team based of my size and athletic abilities. I didn’t know I wanted to play football until I watched the movie “The Blind Side”. After watching that movie I knew that I wanted to play football.  

2. What sets you apart from other offensive linemen?

A difference between me and other offensive lineman is the way I play the game. I like to play with an equal balance of physicality and technique. I believe this is a major part of my success as an offensive lineman.

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

A player that I would love to hangout with would definitely have to be Quenton Nelson from the Indianapolis Colts. I love the way he plays the game and how he’s redefining the guard spot in the NFL. It would be a very good learning experience to have. 

4. How do you prepare for games?

As kickoff approaches, I wish my teammates success on the day and reassure them that I have there backs no matter what. Once that is done, I put some headphones in, get tapped, and review my o-line tip sheets made by my coach to refresh my mind on what has to get done to win the ball game. 

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

I bring supportive energy when I’m on the sidelines cheering my teammates on and when I’m on the field, I bring confidence and dominance throughout all 4 quarters.

6. What are your favorite things about playing football for Charleston? 

One of my favorite this about playing football at the University of Charleston is the brotherhood we have. All the boys know I have there back whether it’s football, school work, life issues, or even food and I know they have mine. It’s a good feeling to have that love coming from the guys who you go through a lot with. 

7. What is your favorite workout?

One of my favorite workouts, and this has definitely took some time to grow on me, is core. Core is such a fundamental aspect needed to be successful at the offensive line position.  

8. What are your favorite moments from your football life?

One of my favorite moments from my football life came when I was at Highland Community College out in Kansas. Experiencing JUCO taught me a lot about myself as a person and as a football player and that I will always remember as one of my favorite times playing football. 

9. What do you love about the game of football?

One thing I love about the game of football is competing to win. I love the game planning, strategic perspective, and preparation for different teams designed to help us win.  

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

A team would receive a player who is passionate about the game, a player who works hard and get things done, and a great personality to add to any locker room. 

11. What are you looking forward to in your upcoming season?

This upcoming season, I look forward to winning the Mountain East Conference.

12. What is a moment that improved you as a football player?

A moment that improved me as football player came when I transferred to the University of Charleston. Coming to Charleston presented me with an opportunity to develop as a football player by developing my technique and competing with some great players. It also presented me with an opportunity to play at the next level.  

Damond Talbot

NFL Draft Diamonds was created to assist the underdogs playing the sport. We call them diamonds in the rough. My name is Damond Talbot, I have worked extremely hard to help hundreds of small school players over the past several years, and will continue my mission. We have several contributors on this site, and if they contribute their name and contact will be in the piece above. You can email me at nfldraftdiamonds@gmail.com

Related Articles

Leave a Reply

Back to top button