Every year there are stories of small school prospects who become draft "sleepers". Fullback Corey Parlet of Concordia-St. Paul is one of those players.
"Coming out of high school I considered myself as a wrestler and football was just a way to pay for school. But after my junior year in college I thought that physically I could play at the next level," said Parlet.
As a junior, Parlet played both fullback and defensive end to help the team out. There were several games his junior season during which he never left the field. Last season, he played the fullback position fulltime and also played on all special teams.
Parlet is not only a football player for Concordia-St. Paul but he is also on the track team. In February he participated in the 55 meter competition at the NSIC Indoor Track & Field Championships where he recorded times of 6.61/6.67. Earlier this year, Parlet ran the 60-meter in 7.10 at the Iowa State Open, while also competing in the long jump.
Parlet is 6-0 230 pounds and ran a 4.50 in the 40 for NFL scouts. He also did 25 reps of 225 pounds, had a 36" vertical, 10" broad jump and earned a Wonderlic score of 32/33.
"My biggest asset is my speed and my ability to play in space and my aggressiveness. I have the ability to catch the football. I would compare myself to Corey Schlesinger of the Detroit Lions," Parlet explained.
Parlet worked out for the Cleveland Browns and also participated in a workout with the Minnesota Vikings. The Carolina Panthers, Chicago Bears, Denver Broncos and New England Patriots are among the other teams that have scouted Parlet.
"I was kind of nervous about the work outs because you only get one shot to show the coaches or the scouts and you have to make the most of it. I have to be productive and bring my "A" game," Parlet said.
Parlet, who is working on biochemistry and psychology majors and has a 3.92 grade point average, likes being a student. If the NFL doesn't work out for him, he has other plans.
"I enjoyed being a student, if things don't work out with the NFL then I would like to either go to grad school or medical school. I really like the subject matter, I like to study and apply my knowledge. I know that there always has been a balance between school and football," said Parlet.
From the looks of it, grad school or medical school may have to wait.
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