By Matthew Hatfield

Correspondent

Teenagers all over the country who play high school football on Friday nights make it a goal of moving on to the next level and competing in the sport on Saturdays. That dream will become a reality for Nansemond River senior Tracey Parker Jr.

Recently, the 6-foot-1, 265-pound lineman gave a commitment to Bluefield College. Parker selected the Rams over West Virginia State and UVA-Wise.

“I chose Bluefield because I felt that it was the right place for me to play college ball at and get a great education,” said Parker, who took an official visit there on Jan. 9. “After that [visit], I knew it was the place for me.”

Bluefield College is an accredited, Christ-centered, liberal arts institution that offers 44 degree programs. It’s located in the Appalachian Mountains of Virginia, approximately six hours from Suffolk.

An NAIA school that participates in the Mid-South Conference, Bluefield was winless in both 2012 and 2013. The Rams are looking for Parker to come right in and immediately boost their defensive line.

“They like that I could play on the interior and exterior of the defensive line,” Parker pointed out. “They run a 3-4 and they want me to play the 3-technique and some defensive end.”

Parker elevated his play on the field as a junior by recording 62 tackles, 13 for loss en route to First Team All-Southeastern District honors on both sides of the ball and Second Team All-Eastern Region at offensive guard. That was followed up by a steady senior campaign.

Last year, Parker earned Second Team All-Ironclad Conference recognition, registering 60 tackles, nine quarterback hurries, eight tackles for loss, five sacks and a forced fumble. His performance in the trenches was essential in the Warriors making their first playoff appearance since 1995.

What would Parker like to get better at and bring the Rams in his time there?

“I would like to improve my overall quickness and footwork,” he said. “I feel that I will bring a get better every day attitude and do exactly as the coaches tell me for the better of our program.”

Parker, the son of former Nansemond River head football coach Tracey Parker, was revered by coaches all around the Hampton Roads area for his work ethic, toughness and durability. Those traits should benefit him in his next home.

“My family, friends and teammates are very proud of me and would like for me to take advantage of the opportunity to play college ball,” Tracey Jr. noted.

“They can expect a fearless competitor who is going to give it his all on every down.”