By Bailey Farmer |
Many people around Howard Payne’s campus know who Jake Parker is because of his role on the football team. But what some do not know is how he made his way to HPU.
Parker, a senior Kinesiology major from Tyler had never heard of HPU or Brownwood before coming to.
“God was the main reason I ended up at HPU because I had never even heard of Howard Payne before 2019 so he had to have guided me here,” said Parker.
Parker was working in the oil field and one day saw an old coach he knew tweet about HPU on social media. Right then and there he knew he had to make a visit.
“It all happened in such a short period of time but I am very glad I made the quick decision to come here,” said Parker
While being at HPU, Parker describes how being a student has had a positive impact on his life.
“The people here truly want to see you succeed and will gladly help you. I have become a better man just being surrounded by great people each and everyday,” said Parker.
Jenna Stuard, Parker’s girlfriend, who is a senior at HPU has great things to say about Parker’s time here on campus.
“Jake has learned to manage his time and energy very well. He has given 110% to football and school,” said Stuard.
Stuard maintained her awe of Parker’s journey explaining how impressed she is by his hard work despite coming to HPU later than most.
“Considering his non-traditional journey, I’ve always found that to be extremely impressive. Jake’s eager to succeed and whatever God calls him to do and I love seeing him grow in that everyday,” said Stuart.
Parker has been awarded ASC Player of the Week, D3 National Team of the Week, and 1st Team All conference. After graduating in May 2021, Parker plans to come back and play one more season using his COVID eligibility year while also taking graduate courses.
Additionally, Parker plans to play football professionally. If that does not work out, Parker hopes to become a college football coach, or be on the business side of football.