Power back from Tampa says Gamecocks coaches feel he could be ‘special’

By Phil Kornblut

April 26, 2019 2:53 PM

South Carolina last week was one of the first major programs to offer Tampa running back Ricky Parks (5-11 200). Iowa, Penn State, Virginia and Purdue are some others who have come on board. It’s early in the process for Parks, and he’s just starting to build his relationship with the Gamecocks.

“I’ve seen South Carolina play on TV and I think they are a physical and well coached team,” Parks said. “I saw how they got better through the season as they played very good teams. I’m also very interested to see what it’s like in person, like the things they do in the weight room and practice, just to explore the school and meet the coaches.”

Parks said he plans to visit schools this summer and USC will get one of his stops. From his conversations with running backs coach Thomas Brown, Parks has a good idea of what he thinks of him.

“They say I have great size and great speed for a guy my size and they think I can be a special back,” Parks said.

Last season Parks rushed for 1,136 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Notes:

▪ South Carolina has a big recruiting weekend on tap with some scheduled official visits and invitations out to other top prospects to visit on Saturday. Scheduled for official visits are wide receiver Ze’Vian Capers, running back Tank Bigsby and offensive lineman Javien Cohen, a former Gamecock commitment.

▪ USC offered 2021 wide reciever Jayden Thomas of Atlanta. Some of his other offers are Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina and Michigan.

Notes:

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