VYPE Featured Athlete: Tucker Parks
THIS IS TRADITIONAL COACHSPEAK, BUT KLEIN COLLINS QB TUCKER PARKS’ BEST FOOTBALL IS IN FRONT OF HIM.
What does that even mean you may ask? It means that his sophomore season was just a preview of what is to come at Klein Collins. With the work that he and the special Class of 2024 are putting in, the future is bright for Tigers Coach Adrian Mitchell.
“We have a bunch of talented rising juniors led by Tucker, who is a natural leader with dynamic athleticism,” Mitchell said.
And to think, the 6-foot-2 quarterback entered his sophomore season with some uncertainty. “I came into last season not sure if I was going to be the starter,” Parks, who was named the District Offensive Newcomer of the Year by season’s end, said. “When I earned the starting job, it gave me so much confidence. I think I earned a lot of respect from the players and now coming into this year…I’m ready.”
Parks and the Tigers had some growing pains early in 2021, going 0-4 with losses to Atascocita, North Shore, Tompkins and Willis, before winning six straight games to go undefeated in District 15-6A. The Tigers fell in a heartbreaking 34-33 first-round playoff game to Bridgeland to end their season.
“After the loss to Willis, that was the turning point,” he said. “I could feel it coming together. We were unstoppable after that.”
The team’s confidence from last season spilled over into the offseason and the summer.
Parks and his Tigers impressed at the State 7-on-7 Tournament, knocking off El Paso Franklin, Buda Johnson, Harker Heights, Dickinson and San Angelo in the Division I bracket. Klein Collins fell to eventual State Champion DeSoto, 32-27, in the semifinals.
The traditional run-oriented Klein Collins showed another side to their offense which could be scary for their district-mates and the rest of Region II.
“The expectations are high coming into this season and Tucker is a big reason why,” Mitchell said. “That group got some great experience and have continued to work through the offseason. They are hungry.”
Best Public Schools in Texas
Klein ISD has an established 84-year history of excellence and innovation in education with unique pathways for EVERY student in our care to ensure learners are college, career, military, and life ready. With recognition for STEM, athletics, fine arts, and academics from highly-esteemed organizations, it is clear that Our Shared Vision of every student entering with a promise and exiting with a purpose is a reality for EVERY student who walks through our doors.
About Klein ISD
Klein ISD is a school district in Klein, Texas, located in northwestern Harris County. The district spans approximately 88 square miles and serves more than 53,000 students in 33 elementary schools, 10 intermediate campuses, one high school program of choice, and 5 high schools.
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There are so many incredible individuals in the Klein Family making a lasting impact on our community. We want to recognize and celebrate our leaders and learners that are cultivating talent, building relationships, reimagining learning and making Promise2Purpose a reality daily. Share your story here: https://kleinfamily.net
