Pisgah senior Michael Parrott has accepted a preferred walk-on spot with the Alabama football program.
CANTON— Pisgah senior Michael Parrott is a force, on and off the football field.
The 5-foot-11, 240-pound fullback for the undefeated Black Bears (10-0) accepted a preferred walk-on spot to the University of Alabama last February.
Parrott is two-time All-Western North Carolina Athletic Conference selection and had 772 rushing yards and six touchdowns prior to Friday’s 45-40 home win over Smoky Mountain.
Parrott is known for pancake-blocking opposing players as well as excelling in the classroom with a 4.45 grade-point average. That combination made him such a great fit for Alabama’s program as the school looks for players who excel on and off the field. Parrott choose Alabama over schools like Miami, Vanderbilt, N.C. State and North Carolina.
When Parrott committed to Alabama he said, “People thought I was pulling their legs, but when they found out I wasn’t, everyone from all over the community congratulated me and gave me full support.”
Parrott said he “loves the offense and the coaching staff is great. Alabama reminds me of home, they have nice people and the football tradition is amazing.”
This year, Parrott has already helped the Black Bears get coach Brett Chappell his 100th career win. Pisgah hadn’t beaten Franklin since 2010 either.
“A key component in this year’s team, much more than last year is standing up to adversity,” Parrott said.
“No one is pointing fingers, the players rise and fight back. Lots of guy’s are leaders like Trey Morgan and Houston Rogers, we have great energy. They strive to not get in lull and go through motions but to keep the spirits high and the atmosphere higher.”
Chappell had kind words for his fullback.
“Michael is a special young man, a great football player, a great student and a leader,” the coach said.
“Michael is one of the hardest-working kids that I have ever coached in my career. During the offseason, in the weight room and in the classroom. It’s going to be sad to see him leave.”
During the offseason, Parrott works out with teammates six days a week, including weight-lifting and harsh conditioning to prepare for Alabama’s serious physical training demands. He gets extra work after practice with his father, Gregg, during the season.
Alabama (8-0) is the top-ranked college football team in the country and plays its next game Nov. 5 at LSU.
Follow the HS Huddle on Facebook at www.facebook.com/hshuddle, Twitter at www.twitter.com/acthshuddle or Instagram at www.instagram.com/high_school_huddle