Signing Day: West's Parks to Virginia

West Rowan held a signing party for five of their football players in the library. Kevin Parks and Sherry Parks watch as their son, K.P. Parks, signs to go to Virginia. Photo by Jon C. Lakey, Salisbury Post.

Chris Smith, Jon Crucitti, Eli Goodson, K.P. Parks and Timmy Pangburn, all Falcons. Photo by Jon C. Lakey, Salisbury Post.

West Rowan held a signing party for five of their football players in the library. Timmy Pangburn, Chris Smith, K.P. Parks, Jon Crucitti and Eli Goodson, all signed to play football in college. Photo by Jon C. Lakey, Salisbury Post.

By Ronnie Gallagher

rgallagher@salisburypost.com

MOUNT ULLA — Sometimes, K.P. Parks surprises even himself.

He knew he was in for a big day on Wednesday. A large gathering assembled in the West Rowan library for National Signing Day to watch Parks put his signature on the papers that would officially make him a Virginia Cavalier.

It became bigger when he was told he was now the Old Spice Red Zone National Player of the Year.

"I didn't know anything about that," Parks marveled. "That's another big thing. Dang."

There was nothing bigger in the prep football world this past season than Parks, who exploded his way into the national record books while leading West Rowan to a 16-0 record and its second straight 3A state championship.

He finished his career with 10,895 yards, the best in North Carolina history and the third-most nationally.

His 55 100-yard games was easily a national record.

He carried the ball more than anyone in the history of prep football: 1,370.

He finished with 158 career touchdowns.

And now, thanks to Old Spice, the sweet smell of success has found him again. He leaves West Rowan as the best prep football player in America.

When told there would be a full page ad this morning in USA Today, he beamed, "I'll get one. Probably at 6 a.m."

New Virginia coach Mike London will probably get one as well. He feels Parks' talent level will carry over to the ACC because of the person inside the pads.

"Everyone looks at his on-field accomplishments, his rushing yards, Parade Magazine All-American, the national player of the year awards, MVPs of all-star games, but even more than that, he's a great young man," London said Wednesday. "He has an infectious smile, and he's going to be one of those guys that rally people around him because of his demeanor and, of course, his abilities."

Amazingly, Parks wasn't recruited heavily by in-state schools. West coach Scott Young said it was the perception of being undersized (5-foot-7, 195) and a step slow.

"But it's really all about character," Young said.

Parks didn't let up after the 28-21 win against Eastern Alamance in the 3A title game. He was the offensive MVP in North Carolina's Shrine Bowl victory and was MVP in a national bowl game in Myrtle Beach.

That's when the interest suddenly grew.

"There were some other ACC schools in here other than Virginia trying to get him to flip on them," Young said. "I commend those schools for doing that. But I commend K.P. for honoring his commitment.

"I believe when he gave the University of Virginia his word, he was a man of his word."

Parks added, "The other schools, I felt like I should've had offers from them. Virginia showed me love from Day 1. In my heart, I said that's who I am going to stick with."

The coach who offered Parks, Al Groh, was fired after the Cavaliers had their third losing season in last four years, including 3-9 in 2009. London kept all 17 of Groh's recruits and brought in six of his own. Parks is the only North Carolina product.

London doesn't seem to have a worry about Parks' size.

"I looked at the Pro Bowl and saw a bunch of 5-9 running backs there having phenomenal days and years," London said. "Size doesn't matter to me. That's probably one of the things people have talked about, his size. He's a man on a mission, and I'm glad he's on our team so he can prove his mission."

Parks, wearing a Virginia pullover, says he won't disappoint his new coach, teammates or fans.

"I've still got some more points to prove," he said. "When I get to college, hopefully, I'll do it."