Scott Nickerson
Elmore Autauga News
When the Prattville Lions defense takes the field in a few weeks for the first time this season, the starting 11 is going to feature multiple players that are going to be playing college football on Saturdays. Lions’ Defensive lineman Ricardo “Bam” Parker has added to that number, as he recently decided that he will suit up down the road at Troy University.
“I chose Troy because of the people and the coaches,” said Parker. “I really feel like that was the best fit for me.”
As a junior, Parker finished with 40 tackles, 14 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks. The Elmore Autauga News named Parker 1st Team All Defense for Autauga County.
Parker visited Troy seven times prior to his commitment. He credited Troy Defensive Lineman Coach Justin Manning, Troy’s Director of Player Personnel Joe Discher, and Troy Head Coach Gerad Parker as being influential in his decision to commit to play for the Trojans.
Prattville Head Coach Bobby Carr praised the new Troy commit.
“Bam is a heck of a force for us on the defensive line. I’m quite sure he will have an opportunity to go in and play as a freshman. He’s got a tremendous work ethic and is a great teammate,” said Coach Carr.
The defensive lineman recognizes that there is a special bond between the Prattville football team, coaches, and community.
“What I enjoy about playing for Prattville is the community. They really support everything we do. All my coaches, especially Coach Carr, he has helped me in so many ways. I can’t thank him enough for being a part of a real brotherhood,” said Parker.
Heading into his final season playing for the Lions, Parker has set his goals high.
“I want to a better person and the best player in the nation. The team’s goal is to go get that state championship.”
Parker plans to major in either business, computer science, or exercise physiology.
