Clemson’s Kyle Parker (#11) may have taken his last snap.
Two sport athlete Kyle Parker is scheduled to visit the Colorado Rockies this weekend to layout his future plans. As it stands, Parker has two options: return to Clemson to play football with the Tigers or sign on the dotted line and go pro in baseball.
Last year Clemson went 9-5 and beat Kentucky in the Music City Bowl. During that year, Parker had an impressive run passing for 2,526 yards, the fifth highest total for a freshman in ACC history. His promising season could be enough to get him back on the gridiron one more time. However, he does have to think about the loss of 9 starters from last year’s squad. The most notable departure is All-American C.J. Spiller. This certainly has to factor into Parker’s football decision.
There is one thing coach Swinney cannot offer Parker that the Rockies can–money. The Rockies could throw enough cash in the form of a signing bonus to sway Parker from playing football. Clearly Parker has thought this through or he wouldn’t be traveling to Denver over the weekend.
Bottom line, Parker is a great two sport athlete but he will probably find more success with the Rockies. As the 26th overall pick in the MLB amateur draft, it’s time to toss the pigskin for a wooden bat. His departure from Clemson would create a challenge for Swinney, but Parker has to do what is best for him and his career.
Clemson begins football practice August 3rd. The deadline for MLB signing draft picks is August 15th. This gives Parker a little over a month to make a decision. The question is, what to do?
