Teddy Bridgewater finds eight or nine receivers every game so it’s understandable that a receiver like DeVante Parker could sometimes get lost in the crowd.
Six of those receivers have caught more than 15 passes per game, including Damion Copeland with a team-leading 28 catches. Eli Rogers has 19, Jeremy Wright has 18, Andrell Smith has 17 and Senorise Perry has 15. Parker, believe it or not, has only four reception in the last three games but three of them have been for touchdowns — each of them of the spectacular variety.
The first one, that 75-yard scoring jaunt on U of L’s first offensive series of the second half against Pittsburgh, serving notice that Bridgewater can indeed throw a long, long ball. He topped that with that 61-yard pass-and-run scamper against Cincinnati, topped only by the diving catch in the end zone. His other touchdown came against Southern Miss before the skies opened up over Hattiesburg.
His player profile at UofLsports.com before the season Parker “has the ability to leap and make big plays down the field… still needs to learn how to get off press coverage and get separation.” He appears to be have grasped the concept. He made it sound easy after the Cincinnati win.
“On my second catch, I just came out, shook the defensive back and got in the open field and scored,” he said. “The first catch was just a simple post and I just released and came out with the ball.”
Parker is no longer a potential threat, he’s dangerous. The opposition going to have to include him in their defensive game paln and give special attention to No. 9 on every snap. Ignore him at your peril.
That will give Bridgewater more time to focus on all those other receivers in waiting.
Growing!
DeVante Parker, if you are reading this, know you are my receiver. Son, God has given you a great gift, use it wisely. Best of luck to you!