Shawnee Heights head coach Jason Swift speaks after defeating Topeka West
Shawnee Heights head coach Jason Swift speaks after defeating Topeka West on Friday night.
TOPEKA – Shawnee Heights’ Tyren Parker standout won’t be going far to play college football. The class of 2026 recruit announced his commitment to Kansas on Wednesday.
“The reason I chose KU is the fanbase and the coaches,” Parker told the Capital-Journal. “It’s a really cool moment. As for being the youngest in my family, they’ve shown me how to be. It’s been great.”
The 6-foot-3 wide receiver and corner for the Thunderbirds is one of the best athletes in the entire state. Parker finished with 1,182 yards and 11 touchdowns as a junior and also recorded 48 tackles and two interceptions on the defensive end.
“It all starts with his speed and his length. To make the finals of the 100 in Class 5A is phenomenal; he did that,” Shawnee Heights head coach Jason Swift said earlier this year. “Defensively, he really grew last year on route reading and making a break on the ball. He’s got a passion for the game.”
Parker, who is a three-star recruit, held offers from Kansas State, Oklahoma State and Iowa State. He explained that his relationship with KU wide receivers coach Terrence Samuel was an important factor in picking the Jayhawks.
“Coach Samuel, he is a great one. He’s always been checking in on my family and seeing how I’m doing,” Parker said. “On my official visit, he showed the details on the routes as a player. Coach Leipold is a really good coach. I feel like I can be comfortable with him being my head coach.”
The multi-sport athlete is currently starring for Shawnee Heights’ basketball team, too. He has helped the Thunderbirds to a 16-3 record and ranked as the No. 6 team in Class 5A.
Liam Keating covers high school sports for The Topeka Capital-Journal. Send stats or information to him at Lkeating@gannett.com
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