Player Spotlight/South Georgia/November 2013
Malkom Parrish
Brooks County High School
Quitman, Georgia
Robert Preston Jr.
Talented Brooks County quarterback would like to finish his career with a state title
The Brooks County Trojans began the 2013 season as one of the top-ranked teams in 2A. They had depth, talent, and an excellent head coach and group of assistants. And they had Malkom Parrish, an All-Region quarterback/safety who has been one of the best players in South Georgia since his freshman year. Since he arrived in Quitman from Miami four years ago, the Trojans have been one of the best teams in its classification in the state. They have made the quarterfinals twice and the second round once. They’ve been in the state title conversation each year but have come up just a little short.
In 2013, Parrish and his teammates would like to end their careers with a championship. They feel it’s their time and they are ready for the challenge.Parrish moved to Quitman from Miami several years ago so his mother could take care of her grandmother. Parrish brought with him years of football talent developed in the South Florida youth leagues. He earned the starting job under center as a freshman and he has never looked back. “When I was in the ninth grade, I wasn’t intimidated at all. I believed in my talent and myself. Over the years, that hasn’t changed. I’m more confident and I’ve learned even more about the game,” he says.When Parrish first took over as quarterback, the Trojans were a run-oriented team.
Now, they have moved away from the veer option to a spread option. Parrish still gets to run the ball but he’s throwing more than ever. “I don’t mind doing either one. I can run or throw,” he says confidently. He has put up monster numbers throughout his career at Brooks County. In the two games (versus Fitzgerald and Thomasville, both wins) prior to speaking with In the Game, Parrish had more than 500 yards passing and 200 yards rushing. He also scored eight offensive touchdowns. When the offense leaves the field, though, Parrish’s work isn’t done. He’s also a safety, and he plays every down on defense. Over that same two-game stretch, he also had a pick six, 20 tackles, and two forced fumbles.Programs from coast to coast have visited Parrish. Oregon was interested. So were Tennessee, Georgia, Florida, Georgia Tech and several others. In June, Parrish decided to play football for the University of Georgia. The Bulldogs didn’t want him as a quarterback – they were recruiting Parrish as a defensive back. He had an offer from Georgia Tech to play quarterback.
Parrish would rather play defense. “You are freer on defense. You just go out and make plays, plus you get to hit a little instead of get hit. I enjoy defense more,” he says. Parrish has found himself under the same microscope as this month’s other Player Spotlight, Adam Choice. He has been near the center of the South Georgia football universe for quite awhile, and it’s something he’s had to deal with his entire career. In the process, Parrish has led the Trojans to two appearances in the quarterfinals during his years at Brooks County. “At first, I played football just to kill some time. Then I realized I might have a future in the game. I try not to think about the attention now. I’m the same person I was five years ago. If I stay the same, I won’t have any worries at all. I just try to stay focused,” he says.
A young man with the athletic ability of Malkom Parrish ought to be in demand to play other sports on campus, particularly at a small school like Brooks County. Football, however, is the only sport he plays. His goal is to be the best football player and student he can be, and he has devoted all his time and energy to those two endeavors. Parrish would like to major in business and finance at Georgia. “One of the reasons I committed to Georgia is because of academics. The coaches talked to me a lot about grades. I like that a lot. Getting a degree is important to me,” he says.Favorites:
• Sport you wish you could play: Swimming
• Athlete: De’Anthony Thomas
• NFL team: Atlanta Falcons
• Last movie: Baggage Claim
• Superpower: Slow down time
• Person to meet: De’Anthony Thomas
• What would you do with $1 million? “Give it to my mom.”
