Derek Parnell
Cornerback / Western Oregon
Alex Khvatov: What are your measurements (height, weight and forty time)?
Derek Parnell: I am 5’9, 190 and a 4.59 40 time.
Alex Khvatov: Where were you training for the NFL Draft?
Derek Parnell: EForce Sports Performance.
Alex Khvatov: Did you conduct a Mock Pro Day? What were your overall results?
Derek Parnell: My mock pro day is on April 4th, so my official results will be coming soon.
Alex Khvatov: Coming out of high school, what programs showed interest in you?
Derek Parnell: The programs that showed the most interest in me were Montana, Eastern Washington, Portland State and Western Oregon.
Alex Khvatov: Why did you choose Western Oregon?
Derek Parnell: Western Oregon wasn’t my first choice. I had the best relationship with coach Valeria at Eastern Washington and planned on verbally committing there. But on my official visit, they told me that they would be going in a different direction and my offer wasn’t on the table anymore. Earlier that year, the coaching staff at Portland State and Montana had been let go, and I lost contact with those teams through the coaching change. That left me with Western Oregon that I had never heard of. Little did I know this school and football program would be a huge blessing in my life, and I could not be prouder to be here. I chose Western Oregon kind of as a default, but it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
Alex Khvatov: What are your strengths?
Derek Parnell: My coverage ability is my best strength. I am very versatile in coverage. I can play outside with the 6’5+ wideouts and in the slot with the smaller wideouts. I have very good instincts and football IQ as well. Those two traits help me make a lot of plays on the field. I have great ball skills as well. I find the ball and always seem to get a hand on it.
Alex Khvatov: What areas of your game are you trying to improve upon?
Derek Parnell: I am trying to improve on my block shedding. I believe being more efficient in that area of my game will allow me to get off blocks and make more tackles/game changing plays.
Alex Khvatov: Tell us about your overall career.
Derek Parnell: Over my career, I have grown exponentially. As a freshman, I started six games at CB and played the other four games primarily as a nickel. I made some plays that year, but definitely had room to improve. Sophomore year, I started every game and doubled my production. Junior year, I played so well I didn’t get targeted much. I had multiple games where I didn’t get a single throw my way. This last year, I was simply dominant. The culmination of all my hard work paid off. I had 17 passes defended, which was 10th in the nation. I grabbed two picks and had 35 tackles. My first game in 2019 came against Angelo State where I had a passer rating allowed of zero. That was the start of my great year and I only got better as we progressed through the season. I left my mark in the history books as well, I am the all-timer leader in pass break ups at the GNAC conference. My senior season was my staple and my improvement over the years has been great. I hope I can continue that success and improvement at the next level.
Alex Khvatov: What is the highlight of your career up to this point?
Derek Parnell: The highlight of my career was winning the GNAC title in 2019. It was the first time Western Oregon has ever won conference and it was great to be a part of that team and the history we made for our school.
Alex Khvatov: What is your biggest accomplishment in college that you are most proud of?
Derek Parnell: Winning the conference was the biggest accomplishment I was a part of. I am most proud of that because we beat teams, we hadn’t beaten in 20 years. As a team, we showed the start of something great at Western Oregon and I am so proud to have been a part of building that foundation.
Alex Khvatov: What was the biggest thing that you took away from your coaching staff?
Derek Parnell: Football IQ without a doubt. Arne Ferguson is the smartest football mind I’ve ever been around and luckily, I got to learn from him my whole college career.
Alex Khvatov: What is the most important trait for a CB?
Derek Parnell: I’d say instincts. I think to be a great corner you have to have that. That trait is what will help players make game changing plays and routine ones. Some people may say speed, but we’ve seen speed isn’t the most important. You can have corners like Darrell Green who blaze and are great, but then you can have Richard Sherman who isn’t that fastest, but can shut down a whole side of the field. Same with the likes of Tyrann Mathieu who isn’t the fastest, strongest or biggest guy, but he is instinctive and makes plays.
Alex Khvatov: What is your favorite NFL team?
Derek Parnell: The Dallas Cowboys
Alex Khvatov: Who is your favorite NFL player?
Derek Parnell: Tyrann Mathieu.
Alex Khvatov: Before the ball is snapped, what are the tendencies that you are looking for from the offense?
Derek Parnell: I look at the receivers split, the offensive tackles stance for pass/run reads, formation, personnel and for possible defensive checks to fit what I am seeing.
Alex Khvatov: What players on your team should we keep an eye on for next season?
Derek Parnell: Curtis Anderson without a doubt. He is a great safety who consistently makes plays. I’d also look out for Machiah Lee and Isaiah Abraham. They have been impact players since they stepped on campus.
Alex Khvatov: Who is the best player that you have faced on an opposing team?
Derek Parnell: Ja’Quan Gardner from Humboldt State.
Alex Khvatov: What do you enjoy most about football?
Derek Parnell: Competing. Competition drives me to be the best possible version of myself and I love it. There is nothing better than going up against another dog, someone that is going to push you to bring out your best. And when it’s crunch time and the game is on the line, competing for that win is the best thrill there is.
Alex Khvatov: What are your hobbies?
Derek Parnell: I haven’t picked up many hobbies outside of football. When I’m not playing or training for football, I am usually working, watching film or sleeping.
Alex Khvatov: What do you want to do with your life after your football career is over?
Derek Parnell: Coach football.
Alex Khvatov: What five words best describe you?
Derek Parnell: Competitor, passionate, diligent, intelligent and lively.
