Carson standout signs with Division II Abilene Christian

Carson High's Jon Parker has made his college selection official, and it is a surprising choice.

Parker, who played tight end, running back and defensive end, gave a verbal commitment on Monday to Division II Abilene Christian.

Parker, who said he received a full scholarship offer from the Texas school, will sign his letter of intent next Wednesday.

"It feels right," Parker said in a phone interview Monday afternoon. "I feel good about my decision. I prayed a lot about it, and I felt like that's where God wanted me to be.

"They're a great program. They send people to the combine (and all-star games) every year. It's not like I'm going to some no-name school. I loved it there; enjoyed my visit."

Parker, who just got back Sunday from his recruiting visit to Abilene Christian, bypassed both UNLV and Nevada. Parker said he informed both of those schools Monday of his decision. Both schools had offered him full-ride scholarships.

"I think UNLV was a little more disappointed (than Nevada)," Parker said. "UNLV offered me a scholarship after my junior year. They are both great programs."

Both schools made trips to Carson to talk to Parker a second time this past week. First-year UNLV coach Bobby Hauk came to watch Parker play in person earlier this year.

The decision to go D-II and play for Chris Thomsen may surprise some, but Carson coach Blair Roman said, "Jon has never been obsessed with playing Division I football. He was doing what's best for him."

Parker's father grew up in Abilene, which is about three hours from the Dallas-Fort Worth area. The Carson senior said that his dad had no influence on his decision.

"My dad never tried to lean me one direction or the other," Parker said. "The biggest thing was that they offered me a full-ride scholarship. The only negative thing you could say is that Abilene Christian isn't Division I, but that never crossed my mind."

Roman said Division II schools are allowed just 36 full-ride scholarships, thus many of those are split between two and three players. For an incoming freshman to receive a full ride is rare.

Roman said that Abilene Christian recruited the 6-foot-3 240-pound Parker as a tight end, which is probably his best position. He caught 11 passes for 108 yards and two scores this past year. Filling in for Dylan Sawyers at wingback, Parker rushed for 274 yards and six scores.

"I talked to their coach (Chris Thomsen) on Saturday (while Parker was there on his visit), and he told me they were looking at him as a tight end and that they expected him to contribute right away," Roman said. "I'm sure they will mix in some special teams."