University of North Carolina Athletics
One-on-One with Willie Parker
November 16, 2000 | Football
Nov. 16, 2000
Earlier this week, TarHeelBlue encouraged fans to email in questions for Willie Parker, one of Carolina's top young tailbacks who had a career game against Maryland last Saturday with 158 yards on 21 carries to help the Tar Heels claim victory over the Terrapins.
Here's what Willie had to say on his influences, his future plans, the competition for the top tailback spot and much more.
Question from Kimberly Parker in Clinton, N.C.: As one of your biggest loyal fans, who has always believed in you, and very proud of you, who would you say has played a big influence in your life and in your football career? What are your long range goals for the future?
What advice would give to a high school senior athlete entering into the
world of college sports?
WP: The biggest influences on my career have definitely been my mom, my dad, my sister, and my brothers. They have influenced me a lot by telling me that I need to keep striving to be my best. My sister sends me cards and stuff when things got rough so that I would keep my head up and never quit. My dad calls a lot and tells me the same things, to keep striving to do well and everything will work out.
As for my long range goals, I want to go to the NFL. Hopefully everything will fall into place to allow me to get there.
I would tell them that it is a big jump from high school to college. It's different for everyone. So I would just let them know that it will take some time to adjust but definitely enjoy their time in high school and to get ready for that big jump.
Question from Willie Phillips: What's up Willie? In the last two games, I've noticed your ability to break tackles and the tremendous speed you possess when healthy. As I'm sure you know, the best running backs in the ACC and the country all seem to possess the ability to run through arm tackles. My questions to you are as follows: what is you time in the 40 yard dash and what drills do Carolina's running backs work on to increase their speed and develop the skills to run through those arm tackles?
WP: In the 40 yard dash I was clocked at speeds of 4.36 and at 4.47. As for drills, the coaches will throw bags at us when we're running in the open field to simulate tackles. They will also have a blaster that we run through as fast as we can. If you are not used to running through those, they will stop you in your tracks.
Question from Matt Wojciechowski in Raliegh, N.C., Class of '97: Is there any competition between you and the other running backs on the team as to how many carries each of you get? Do you mind running the ball as a committee or would you rather see more touches yourself? Thanks and good luck against Duke!
WP: I wouldn't say that it's a competition, but as with every thing in life, there are always going to be competitions with other people. But Coach (Torbush) has his mind set on how he is going to rotate us and how many carries each of us are going to get. But whoever is producing, that is who is going to get the most looks on the field.
I just want to do whatever will help the team out the most. If that means sharing time, then that is what I am going to do.
Question from Sonya in Seaboard, N.C.: Congratulations on breaking the 1997 Tar Heel record and rushing 158 yards on 21 carries. It's good to have you back on the field since recovering from your back problems. Is there anyone in particular that has given you any advice to help you gain so many yards? What do you plan to do to continue to gain even more yards?
WP: It's not really what anyone can say to me as to advice on how to gain yards. It's how well the line does their job, and how well the running back does his job and how well these two can happen at the same time. When that happens, it's up to the back to see the holes in the defense and go after them.
Question from Kim Reid in Norfolk, Va.: Good game against Maryland! I'm sure you would love to play in the NFL, but if that's not possible what would you consider an ideal career? Good luck Saturday!
WP: My sights are definitely set on the NFL, but if that doesn't work out I will fall back on my major, which is sports medicine. That way I could still be around sports all of my life.
Question from Dr. Tommy Newton in Clinton, N.C.: Congratulations on your continued improvement. I've been in the stands watching you and James represent Clinton quite well. After treating you during high school, I'm curious as to exactly what type of back injury you had, and how you rehabilitated yourself? It might help me with some of the current Dark Horse football players. Best wishes for continued success.
WP: My lower back had a strain and you could feel a knot there. I did a lot of sit-ups and crunches, leg lifts, hip thrusts and stuff like that.
Question from Bill Hales in Tallahassee, Fla.: You have emerged as the leader and have had some very impressive performances recently. As a long-time Carolina fan, I've seen you have some very impressive gains both short and long. A key to being successful is the ability of the line to block on a play and having the right play called in the right situation. Do you feel the offensive line has improved during the season to help you break the big ones?
WP: The offensive line has improved a great deal. If it wasn't for them, I wouldn't be able to read their blocks and get the yards that I have been able to in the last couple of games. They are just continuously getting better.
Question from Mark Eberhard in Wilson, N.C.: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
SH: Hopefully in 10 years I will have a family and be living the good life. I know that I'll have a degree from here at Carolina and just enjoying life. I hope to still be playing football by that time, but if I'm not, hopefully I'll be on the sidelines as maybe a sports broadcaster. Either way, I want football to be a continuous part of my life.
Question from Matt Holt: What made you decide to go to the University of North Carolina?
WP: The academics and the football played a major part in my decision. The year that I was coming in, the team had just won the Las Vegas Bowl and I wanted to be a part of a bowl team. But I have just loved Carolina ever since I was seven years old so it wasn't a hard decision. I remember watching Natrone Means, Leon Johnson and all of the other backs that have come through the program recently.
Question from Brian Bowles in Roanoke, Va.: How do you feel about your performance this season and is there anything you wish you had done differently? Happy belated birthday!
WP: I am disappointed about playing when I shouldn't have played earlier on in the season. I think that hurt me a lot, because looking back I should have just sat out and waited for the right time for me to play. Since I've been back I have been pretty please with what I've been able to do. I know that I can do better, but that time will come.
Question from Victoria Thomas in Chapel Hill, N.C.: How does it feel to beat two tough teams in your two straight wins?
WP: Oh, it feels good. We're ready to take on any challenge each and every week and fortunately we were able to win the last two games over two top teams.
Question from Paul in Chapel Hill, N.C.: How did you feel last game against Maryland when you broke out for such a big game?
WP: I felt good to go out there and just play another game, to have the opportunity to go out and play the game that I love. Just being there and helping the team out is what I love each and every week about this game. Having a game like that just makes me feel good about myself and everything that I am doing.
Thanks to everyone who emailed Willie during the week. Check back next week as we go One-on-One with another of your favorite Tar Heels.
One-on-One Archives
One-on-One with S. Hodge (November 10, 2000)
One-on-One with J. Peppers (November 3, 2000)
One-on-One with K. Bailey (October 27, 2000)
One-on-One with B. Russell (October 20, 2000)
One-on-One with B. Allen (September 15, 2000)
One-on-One with Wags (September 8, 2000)
One-on-One with R. Sims (September 1, 2000)
One-on-One with A. Crumpler (August 25, 2000)
One-on-One with E. Hood (August 18, 2000)
One-on-One with B. Spoon (August 11, 2000)
