Peach State star commits to Tide

Jarod Parrish a 6-foot-1, 185-pound defensive back/wide receiver prospect from Chattoga High School in Summerville (GA) has given the University of Alabama a verbal commitment.

“Yes, Jarod committed to Alabama. He had several offers,” said Chattooga High School head coach John Starr. “I know Clemson and Vanderbilt were are also considered but there were others who were showing a lot of interest.”

During the summer Parrish camped at Alabama and recorded a 4.47-40. While visiting for the Tide’s one-day mini-camp he had a chance to visit with the Alabama staff and check out the campus.

“The tradition at Alabama is very impressive and I loved the campus,” Parrish said. “I really like Coach Tommerdahl, he’s been real honest with me.”

Coach Starr has seen Parrish flourish under his tutelage over the course of his high school career.

“This kid is a tremendous athlete and he works very hard,” Starr said. “He’s has good size and he is a really smart, mature football player. Alabama is getting a good one.”

While most schools recruited him for either side of the ball, Coach Starr indicated that he thought Parrish future was on defense.

“He’s started for us the last three years in the secondary,” he said. “And I think that is his best position for college. He has the instincts, I believe he could be either a corner or safety.”

Last year Parrish passed for over 700 yards, rushed for an additional 600, and totaled 16 touchdowns while running Chattooga's option attack. He also started every game at the defensive back position and totaled 40 tackles while picking off six passes.

With a 3.9 core GPA and 1040 SAT score, he will be fully qualified.

Alabama now has eight verbal commitments. The Tide has secured pledges from Highland Home athlete DJ Chambers, Wilcox Central defensive back Chris Felder, Fort Meade (FL) defensive tackle Andraus Grace, Montgomery Lanier tight end Mario Lane, Guntersville offensive lineman Justin Moon, Wilcox Central running back Eric Packer, and Laurel (MS) offensive lineman Travis West.