University of North Carolina Athletics
Football Inks Willie Parker to Letter of Intent
June 21, 1999 | Football
April 6, 1999
CHAPEL HILL --- Willie Parker, a 5-11, 190-pound tailback/cornerback from Clinton, N.C., has signed a National Letter of Intent to attend the University of North Carolina.
Parker inked the scholarship offer on April 1, the final day high school seniors were allowed to sign to play football at a Division I institution. Parker rushed for 1,801 yards and 18 touchdowns last fall in leading Clinton to the state 2-A quarterfinals. He averaged 12.3 yards per carry. On defense, Parker had 30 tackles, including two and one-half quarterback sacks, and intercepted two passes. He was named the county's player of the year.
In 1997, he rushed for 1,322 yards (11.8 yards per carry) and 20 touchdowns in leading the Dark Horses to the state 2-A title. He rushed for 138 yards, including a 79-yard touchdown, in the 1997 state title game. Parker earned all-conference and all-region honors as a junior and senior.
He led Coach Bob Lewis's team to a 26-2 record over his last two years (14-1 as a junior and 12-1 as a senior). In addition to football, Parker runs the 100 meters in track and field.
He is the 24th student-athlete to sign a National Letter of Intent to play football for the Tar Heels.
"Willie Parker is an outstanding athlete on both sides of the ball," says UNC head coach Carl Torbush. "We're thrilled he's going to attend Carolina. He is a fine young man, a good student and someone who should contribute in many ways in Chapel Hill."
