Football is a sport steeped in tradition. Unfortunately for some, these traditions can act as a roadblock to their success. Noah Parker, the little-known linebacker from Australia, is hoping to overcome the obstacles that face players who don't attend college in the United States and add his name to the short list of successful foreign football players.
The 6'2", 230lbs Australian considers himself a hybrid linebacker, with the ball-hawking coverage skills of a defensive back, and the hard-hitting, quarterback-hating ferocity of a traditional linebacker. College scouts commented that Parker would likely be successful as a defensive back, but he refused to make the switch, stating that he wanted to "have as many opportunities as possible to ruin the quarterback's day. I don't just want to break-up passes and take interceptions to the house, I want to get sacks, shutdown screens, and stop receivers short of first down".
While any defensive-minded coach would admire his commitment to being a pain in the quarterback's side, people from within the NSFL have commented that players need to be coachable. Parker's desire to play in the box while still seeking out big plays in the passing game turned some scouts off, as many GM's were looking for a more stereotypical Mike linebacker. Parker stated that this was why he did not declare for the draft.
"I could tell the guys out there watching us practice didn't value what I could do to disrupt the pass. Don't get me wrong, I can make plays in any area of the game, but I've got an appetite for interceptions that can't be sated and defensive backs just don't have enough fun. I figured I'd wait until the season started and the need for guys like me came up, then I'd throw my name in the ring".
With Parker now available to claim off waivers, time will tell if GM's have in fact come to value his prototypical style of linebacker play.
The 6'2", 230lbs Australian considers himself a hybrid linebacker, with the ball-hawking coverage skills of a defensive back, and the hard-hitting, quarterback-hating ferocity of a traditional linebacker. College scouts commented that Parker would likely be successful as a defensive back, but he refused to make the switch, stating that he wanted to "have as many opportunities as possible to ruin the quarterback's day. I don't just want to break-up passes and take interceptions to the house, I want to get sacks, shutdown screens, and stop receivers short of first down".
While any defensive-minded coach would admire his commitment to being a pain in the quarterback's side, people from within the NSFL have commented that players need to be coachable. Parker's desire to play in the box while still seeking out big plays in the passing game turned some scouts off, as many GM's were looking for a more stereotypical Mike linebacker. Parker stated that this was why he did not declare for the draft.
"I could tell the guys out there watching us practice didn't value what I could do to disrupt the pass. Don't get me wrong, I can make plays in any area of the game, but I've got an appetite for interceptions that can't be sated and defensive backs just don't have enough fun. I figured I'd wait until the season started and the need for guys like me came up, then I'd throw my name in the ring".
With Parker now available to claim off waivers, time will tell if GM's have in fact come to value his prototypical style of linebacker play.
[div align=center]