So in early May, head coach/defensive coordinator Todd Bowles said Bucs rookie cornerback Jacob Parrish could start for just about any NFL team.
Again, that was in May, and Parrish was a third-round pick.
It was an eye-popping endorsement, and Joe is sure Parrish has never made Bowles regret that comment. The young man appears to be a special player, and an elite athlete.
Joe’s glad fans have been getting a chance to see Parrish play through two preseason games. His speed, stickiness and tackling prowess have shown up.
In addition to Bowles’ love, Parrish has it from Lavonte David, the leader of the Bucs defense. David didn’t hesitate talking to Kay Adams two weeks ago when asked what player was popping in the Bucs secondary.
He went right to the rookie.
“Yeah, man, Jacob Parrish. Jacob Parrish going to be a baller,” David said on Up & Adams. “Jacob Parrish is a quiet guy, you know, very quiet, very chill. You know, I was kind of worried. I don’t like people too quiet; I had to open him up a little bit in the meeting room one day.”
David went on to say he likes a feisty, trash-talking cornerback, but Parrish has been talking loudly with his play.
“For him to be out here balling like he is, he already look like a vet,” David said. “I really like him.”
Several minutes later in the show, Adams asked David “if there’s a star I should be looking at” during preseason, “somebody I need to be really keeping my eye on.”
Again, no hesitation from David. “Watch Jacob Parrish,” he said. “He’s going to be a real big player for us.”
READ NEXT
Unexpected Run Game Struggles Explained