Bijon Parker
Safety
New Mexico
Alex Khvatov: What are your measurements (height, weight and forty time)?
Bijon Parker: I am about 6’1, 196 right now and I have been running a 4.4 consistently during training.
Alex Khvatov: Where are you currently training for the NFL Draft?
Bijon Parker: I am training at Winner Circle in Corona, CA. It is about 50 miles away from Los Angeles. It is a small group. We have about five players training over here.
Alex Khvatov: When is your Pro Day?
Bijon Parker: On March 8th.
Alex Khvatov: Coming out of high school, what programs showed interest in you?
Bijon Parker: My dream school was UCLA. I wanted to go there all of my life. They showed a lot of interest during my junior and senior year. Arizona State, Colorado State and Nevada also showed interest. I wanted to go to UCLA. Before my signing day, UCLA fell back. I was stuck. I got accepted to a couple of colleges that I applied to. I thought that I would walk-on. New Mexico came to my school and my house on Monday and then on Wednesday, which was a week before signing day. They wanted me to come for a visit that weekend. My high school coach also received phone calls from Nevada and Boise State. Those schools wanted me to come to their school that weekend. I told my coach that I would go up to New Mexico for the weekend because I already gave them my word. I liked everything about the school. I committed to them on Sunday and signed on next Wednesday during signing day.
Alex Khvatov: Why did you choose New Mexico?
Bijon Parker: They showed a lot of interest in me. One of the coaches at UCLA recommended me to New Mexico. They came at a perfect time. I showed loyalty to them.
Alex Khvatov: What are your strengths?
Bijon Parker: I am very smart. My one-on-one coverage skills because I played corner before I played safety. Knowing the defense period. I made all of the calls.
Alex Khvatov: What areas of your game are you trying to improve upon?
Bijon Parker: Being stronger. I played at 181 or 182 pounds during the season. Playing stronger, having more power and improving my hips.
Alex Khvatov: Describe your overall career.
Bijon Parker: I was recruited as a WR out of high school. I came in as an athlete to New Mexico. They gave me white jersey, which meant that I would be playing defense. I started playing corner. I redshirted my first year. I also played receiver on the scout team. I was doing good. But I fell in love with defense. I transitioned from corner to safety. We had a good team, but we weren’t winning the close games.
Alex Khvatov: What is the highlight of your career up to this point?
Bijon Parker: My first INT against Tulsa. The game was tied. They were driving down the field with three minutes left. I set us up for the game-winning FG with my INT.
Alex Khvatov: What is your biggest accomplishment in college that you are most proud of?
Bijon Parker: Graduating. It was very hard. I went through major switches, but I received a double major in psychology and communication.
Alex Khvatov: What have you learned the most from your coaching staff?
Bijon Parker: I learned how to be a leader. They taught me how to connect with different types of teammates. I carry that with me every day.
Alex Khvatov: What is your favorite NFL team?
Bijon Parker: I have been a Cowboys fan since I have been little. I like the Rams now too who came to LA. My dad has been a Cowboys fan all of my life.
Alex Khvatov: Who is your favorite NFL player?
Bijon Parker: My all-time favorite platers were Deion Sanders and Charles Woodson. They always seemed to have the ball in their hands. They had so many INT’s and return yards.
Alex Khvatov: What is the most important trait for a DB?
Bijon Parker: Having patience, trusting yourself and being confident.
Alex Khvatov: Before the ball is snapped, what are the tendencies that you are looking for from the offense?
Bijon Parker: Looking at the QB’s. They actually stare at receivers a lot. I look for signs. I am looking at receivers. They usually give it away when they are getting the ball. I am telling myself that he can’t beat me. You have to have a short-term memory as a DB.
Alex Khvatov: What players on your team should we keep an eye on for next season?
Bijon Parker: Safety Nico Bolden and DL Trent Sellers DL. Sellers got hurt last year. WR Elijah Lilly and WR Jay Griffin are good receivers. They have a new offensive coach. They should do big things next year.
Alex Khvatov: Who is the toughest player that you have faced on an opposing team?
Bijon Parker: Jay Ajayi from Boise State.
Alex Khvatov: What do you enjoy most about football?
Bijon Parker: There is no other sport like football. You can’t win on your own. Football is a collective thing. Players get together and fight for the same goal even though we come from different parts of the country.
Alex Khvatov: What are your hobbies?
Bijon Parker: I have been roller skating since I was little. My mom and dad actually met at the skating ring.
Alex Khvatov: What do you want to do with your life after your football career is over?
Bijon Parker: I want to use my talent in psychology. I want to help athletes stay off drugs. They need to have someone there to help them stop and be at a much better place.
Alex Khvatov: What five words best describe you?
Bijon Parker: Leader, hardworking, funny, extraordinary and determined.
