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Dose of reality for ex-Vol Parrish

Safety had a plan for life after football: pharmacy school

By Drew Edwards (Contact)
Originally published 05:01 p.m., May 9, 2008
Updated 12:47 a.m., May 9, 2008

Jarod Parrish on the field

University of Tennessee

Jarod Parrish on the field

Jarod Parrish

Jarod Parrish

Last August, Jarod Parrish was planning on being the University of Tennessee's starting safety.

This August, he'll be starting a new career.

Parrish, one of 63 Tennessee student-athletes who graduated Friday, won't be going on to the NFL. But he does have a rewarding future lined up.

In a few short months, Parrish will enroll in UT's pharmacy school in Memphis.

"It's a lot of hard work, but once you do it, it's good for you," Parrish said Friday. "It's a career I thought would be good for me to go into."

Parrish, who celebrated his graduation with friends and family from his hometown of Summerville, Ga., enrolled at UT five years ago as an exercise science major hoping to become a physical therapist once his playing days were over.

But pharmacy was always a backup plan that held a lot of promise.

That's kind of how Parrish was on the football field.

Last August, Parrish figured to start for the Vols at safety, and did for UT's first three games of 2007.

But a preseason comment by Parrish proved prophetic in September.

During fall camp, Parrish proclaimed that the Vols would need an All-American to emerge at safety to take away his starting job. That proved true four weeks into the season when freshman All-American Eric Berry moved from cornerback to start UT's final 11 games at Parrish's strong safety position.

That wasn't exactly what Parrish had hoped for heading into his senior year, but he handled the lack of playing time with maturity.

"Everything happens for a reason," he said. "It was tough not getting to play a lot, but you just have to learn from it. Just thank God that you're breathing. There's a lot worse things that can happen. Inky (Johnson) can't play anymore, period. I've got to be grateful that I'm not hurt or anything like that."

Looking at next year's secondary, Parrish sees plenty of athleticism and, more importantly, competition.

"They're great athletes out there," Parrish said. "There will be great competition back there. If you have a bad practice, you might not be a starter anymore. Once you get out there, you've got to keep your position. You've got to be a great player to be out there on the field. They've got guys who can replace you."

This fall, he'll replace the orange and white uniform for a plain old white lab coat.

But that doesn't mean he wouldn't mind suiting up another year for the Vols.

"It would be great to be a part of that group," he said. "The whole defense is going to be better next year. The defensive line will be a lot more experienced, and the linebackers are fast. I feel like they're going to have a fun year back there. Everything's coming together."

Notebook: Among those graduating Friday was fullback David Holbert, who suffered a traumatic knee injury during UT's first scrimmage of the spring. It is unclear whether Holbert, who missed last season with a knee injury, will return this fall or attempt to gain a medical hardship for a sixth year of eligibility. … Five members of UT's Renewing Academic Commitment program for former student-athletes also graduated: Scot Drucker (baseball), Michael Rivera (baseball), Rob Smith (football), C.J. Watson (basketball) and Maurice Staley (football).

Drew Edwards covers University of Tennessee football. He may be reached at 865-342-6274.

© 2008, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.

       44 Comments

Posted by govolsnt on May 9, 2008 at 5:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The University of Memphis does not have a Pharmacy school. The pharmacy school in Memphis belongs to the University of Tennessee, which also has a sattelite campus in Knoxville now. "UT Health Science Center"

Posted by spam247buster on May 9, 2008 at 5:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Good catch, govolsnt. Pretty shameful that KNS got that SO wrong.
Congratulations to Jarod Parrish!!! Thanks for representing your school so well!

Posted by mnx on May 9, 2008 at 5:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

good eye govolsnt...I think they may have missed that fact..

good luck to this kid in his future endeavors

Posted by Volfantm on May 9, 2008 at 5:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Way to go all grads! Glad to see CJ Watson on the RAC list also.

Posted by bamacheats on May 9, 2008 at 5:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Why is this news? We've had a lot of kids in pharmacy school...Ramar...Duke...James Banks...Victor McClure...C.J. Black...Terrence Woods...Harris Walker...Orlando Berry...

Posted by IBleedOrange444 on May 9, 2008 at 5:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Noooooooooooooo!!!!!!! Anywhere but Memphis!!!!!

Just kidding. Good luck Jarod.

Posted by DenmarkVol on May 9, 2008 at 6:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Yes -- how on earth could the hometown newspaper get that so wrong?

Congrats, Jarod -- sounds like you have a bright future ahead of you. Go for it.

Posted by ETorange on May 9, 2008 at 7:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Better yet go to ETSU and talk to them about real football and how you got the education. You can do both. WOW !!!! CONGRATULATIONS !!!
Need to replace Dr. Stanton with a person with marketing skills as well as personality, after watching his announcement that he would be stepping down at the end of next year he should do it sooner.
Here's an idea when he steps down ,get rid of the whole athletic department and start over.This includes Dave Mullins.

Posted by BigVolinCarolina on May 9, 2008 at 7:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

govolsnt, the point you made is incorrect. The article says, "In a few short months, Parrish will enroll in UT's pharmacy school in Memphis."
UT's pharmacy school is in Memphis, indeed, as you said.

The KNS does botch stuff quite often, but not this time. Nowhere in the article did the KNS say Parrish was headed to the University of Memphis.

On another note, best of luck Jarrod. Work your tail off in grad school.

Posted by pjhaddix on May 9, 2008 at 7:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Congrats, Jarod! We're proud of you and thankful for you.

Posted by andefromtn on May 9, 2008 at 8:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

This is the second time I've read the article and in it's original form it said the University of Memphis. The article has be updated and the error corrected.

Posted by WD40plusVol on May 9, 2008 at 10:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Bamacheats, I don't remember a Harris Walker or Orlando Berry. Must have been kicked out pretty swiftly.

Articles like this are welcome. Thanks Drew.

Posted by GreerVol22 on May 9, 2008 at 10:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

If the guy is smart enough to get in Rx school and stay there, then kudos.

Posted by bamacheats on May 9, 2008 at 10:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

WD40: Both were one-year-wonders. Berry was under Wade the Fade and Walker was up in smoke with Terrence Woods.

Posted by wtnvol on May 10, 2008 at 8:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Congratulations Jarod! Come on down to Memphis...we can use all the orange-blooded folks we can get down here. The campus of the University of Tennessee is the state of Tennessee!

Posted by cjraney on May 10, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Congrats to all the graduates but especially glad to see those guys returning to school after taking a break for various reasons. Sometimes it just takes time and maturity for young adults to understand the value of a college degree. Nice article and Go Vols.

Posted by LiveFaith on May 10, 2008 at 11:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Thanks for representing us North Georgians Jarod. Thanks also for being a great rep for UT in your career. Best wishes in your studies. Pharmacy ... whew!!!

Posted by etsuvol99 on May 10, 2008 at 3:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

David Holbert might return this fall? Come on, did you see the picture of his injury? He McGaheed it. I hope he gets to play again, if that's what he wants. The kid's had nothing but bad luck since he got to UT.

Posted by wuwh_08 on May 10, 2008 at 5:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hey Retards,
It says Parrish is going to UT's Pharmacy school in Memphis. It does not say he is going to University of Memphis's Pharmacy School. Good job for pointing out stupid stuff on KNS maybe you should learn to read a little bit better.

Posted by vols10623 on May 10, 2008 at 6:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

congradulations Parrish, and thank you for your services to The University of Tennesssee. Best of luck to you and your future !

Posted by orangebloodgmc on May 11, 2008 at 11:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Good luck, Parrish; thanks for being there and all the work you did.

Posted by TouchdownTennessee on May 11, 2008 at 1:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Dupree and SJT18 are throwing a party. Old lady lecturing to start flick is sjt18's momma. OleTouchdownTN, Kingsport, TommyJack and Jwraymond crash the party. PD and TNGeoff are there to make sense of the situation.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=6NdAUnnU9Ac

Posted by KingsportVol on May 11, 2008 at 2:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Awesome Video.Beasties Rock.

Posted by hmhawk on May 11, 2008 at 5:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

TDTN-I persononally think you ought to try Confederate Railroad or Lynyrd Skynyrd but it's your choice.Confederate Railroad has a really good song entitled "I hate rap".

Posted by hmhawk on May 11, 2008 at 5:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Oops,should have just said titled not entitled.

Posted by General_Fritter on May 11, 2008 at 10:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I heard TDTN likes the classics. Oh, I bet I pay he$# for that one.

Posted by TouchdownTennessee on May 11, 2008 at 10:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

hmhawk - this is more my style.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=iLdkz6HYBGg

Yea Fritter - keep it up. I'll run your young arse off like the rest of them.

Posted by TouchdownTennessee on May 11, 2008 at 11:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

And one of the greatest guitar players to ever play - not as crazy about the band in general - the lead guitar is awesome.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0BjKpX...

Posted by TouchdownTennessee on May 11, 2008 at 11:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Another oldie but goodie when you want to rock:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SaFlME...

Posted by orangebloodgmc on May 12, 2008 at 9:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)

TDT, seems this thread has been totally hijacked away from football ... but being as how that's already happened, at least this link will put a little Tennessee back in it. Check it out:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ytHMQy...

Posted by HotlantaVol on May 12, 2008 at 11:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Another gifted athlete turned drug dealer. Everyone make sure to blame Fulmer for this one too.

Congratulations, Jarod. Good luck in pharmacy school. Congratulations, Coach Fulmer. Good job in helping to mold a great man.

Posted by hmhawk on May 12, 2008 at 5:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

TDTN,you're gettin' better.Stick with Bocephus and you will never go wrong.Orangebloodgmc,that's a killer song but I can't forgive him for being pro-Taliban.May God forgive him but I can't.May he fade with the Dixie Chicks.What a waste of talent!!!Go Vols!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by TouchdownTennessee on May 12, 2008 at 7:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Bocephus is hard to beat hmhawk. Got to agree with you there. Hard rock was part of my youthful days when I was young and crazy. He$# I'm still crazy.

Posted by TouchdownTennessee on May 12, 2008 at 7:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Ole Steve Earl can do some picking now. Thanks for that contribution there orangebloodgmc. I play a little guitar and I like to play along with old Stevie.

Posted by TouchdownTennessee on May 12, 2008 at 7:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

General Fritter: #$&*@% this is your brain on drugs.

Posted by hmhawk on May 12, 2008 at 7:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

TDTN-my life was acid rock.What they call classic rock was what I grew up and partied on so that now even though it's still good music it is still the past.Never heard any hard rock ,always thought Deep Purple was kinda tame.Damn good but tame.But then again we "partied hearty" in the 70's.Lord I'm old LOL.Give me some 4 way and Pink Floyd.How about Procol Harem or ELP.Them were the daze!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by TouchdownTennessee on May 13, 2008 at 7:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

hmhawk - the 70's were a blur. I partied so hard that when I woke up I was in the 80's.

Posted by hmhawk on May 13, 2008 at 7:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

TDTN-LOL.I know what you mean.We did miss one point of this article.Drew Edwards doesn't know there is no such thing as an ex-Vol.Orange til we die!!

Posted by hmhawk on May 13, 2008 at 7:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

TDTN-LOL.I know what you mean.We did miss one point of this article.Drew Edwards doesn't know there is no such thing as an ex-Vol.Orange til we die!!

Posted by hmhawk on May 13, 2008 at 7:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

TDTN-LOL.I know what you mean.We did miss one point of this article.Drew Edwards doesn't know there is no such thing as an ex-Vol.Orange til we die!!

Posted by hmhawk on May 13, 2008 at 7:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hit button way too many times LOL.Long live the 70's.

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