After three years at quarterback, senior Drew Parrott is signing off as Bearden’s signal caller and moving to wide receiver and defensive back for his final season in West Knoxville.
Parrott said that making the switch will help with his college recruitment, and it also gives Bearden an additional elite athlete on the perimeter.
“I’m optimistic about it,” Parrott said. “I think I’ll get the ball a lot to make a contribution.
“Now is definitely time to get started on [wide receiver]; it puts me ahead for when I go to college.”
Parrott’s switch adds another dynamic weapon to a receiving corps that already includes 2023 breakout star Tory Beaufort.
“This means we have more athletes in the field which is good,” Parrott said. “It’s gonna be super hard to cover the skill players this year.”
This is a big program change for the whole team, not just Parrott, who has already played a significant role in the team’s leadership in his first three seasons.
Senior center Jaxson Davis has been snapping the ball to Parrott since sixth grade. He said it is different seeing him at his new position, but he’s excited about what it means for Parrott’s future and the potential benefits it could have for the team.
“I definitely think the move was better for him,” Davis said. “He’s gonna get more looks from colleges.”
Added senior Andrew Lemons: “We were short at the receiver position, and we need another receiver, and Drew brings this to the table. He’s fast, he’s quick, and has good hands too.”
Sophomore DJ Hunter will get the start at quarterback when Bearden opens its season at home on Saturday night at 8 against West.
“It gives us another playmaker out there,” Coach Josh Jones said. “It was definitely a need for us, so it worked out perfect. … It will take some eyes off Beaufort, who other teams tend to watch a lot.”