New names are beginning to pop up across the state as players finish their season and one 2016 name that has intrigued a number of teams, including Tennessee, is Jackson linebacker Austin Parker.
The 6-foot-1, 225-pound junior linebacker from Jackson Central-Merry High School visited Tennessee for the first time ever this past weekend came away amazed.
"I've been to a lot of stadium but Neyland is the biggest stadium I've been to in my entire life. It was amazing," Parker said. "We got to go on the field and I was looking up and it was just amazing."
During his first trip on Rocky Top Parker was able take in the Vols' facilities before the game and liked what he saw.
"I had a tour of the Anderson Training Facility and the thing I like the most about that is the indoor practice field. I really like their facilities," Parker said.
Parker said from his first impression of Tennessee he feels like it's a program that takes care of their players and improves them.
"It seems like they want to take care of you. They have a nutrition plan for you," Parker said. "They showed us pictures of players and how their bodies have changed since they've been there."
Before the game Parker also met with Tennessee assistant coach Steve Stripling, who recruits the Jackson area, as the two begin to build a relationship.
"I met with coach Stripling and I talked with him for a little while. He seemed like a stern coach. He was friendly, but he was straight to the point," Parker said. "He wasn't the type of coach to beat around the bush. We talked for a while and he told me he wants me to come back in the spring and we will talk about academics."
Then, during the Vols' 50-16 defeat of Kentucky, Parker said it was one of the best atmospheres he's ever visited.
"It was great. I think they said there were more than 100,000 people there. That was great. I don't even know how to describe it," Parker said.
Parker finished his junior season with 117 tackles, four sacks and four forced fumbles.
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