Normally, if one takes in a University of Alabama football practice, the rotation at outside linebacker under defensive coordinator Tosh Lupoi would appear as follows: Anfernee Jennings, Christian Miller, Jamey Mosley, Jarez Parks, Cameron Latu, Eyabi Anoma and Ben Davis.
Throughout this week, Parks was absent.
The four-star recruit from Florida was one of the nation’s top defensive end prospects in 2017 signing class; however, he was forced to grayshirt. He enrolled during the spring of this year and has fared well in his growth to become a contributing piece to a school that has suffered knee injuries to both Terrell Lewis and Christopher Allen. Crimson Tide fans were concerned about him not being spotted at sessions, but Nick Saban addressed the issue at Wednesday’s presser.
Health wise, Parks is doing fine.
“Jarez Parks had a death in the family,” Saban said.
“He is from Florida and went on the trip with us and his family wanted him to stay there. Think the funeral was today so, he’ll be back with us on tomorrow. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. We try to be very supportive. This has been a very difficult thing for him.”
As Bama nation stands with Parks through this time, the fans and his teammates hope that he grows into being another elite player on defense they can count on.
Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
