*This story can also be found in the October 5 edition of the Arkansas State Football digital game day program*
Early on in his career, Arkansas State linebacker
Justin Parks strived to be a leader.
Even as a freshman in 2021, the now-senior Parks wanted to be someone others emulated, whether that be his playing style, work ethic, drive or passion for the game. Fast-forward four years later, Parks is one of just three current four-year captains in the Football Bowl Subdivision – the other two being Utah's Cam Rising and Auburn's Payton Thorne. Regarding the four-year distinction, Parks calls it a blessing.
"I'm glad my coaches put me in that position," he said. "I feel like I also kind of put myself in that position. Even as a freshman, I wanted to be somebody who people would want to emulate - my work ethic, my drive, my passion I have for the game. I'm a student of the game, so that position really came on to me and I fully embraced it. It's something I'm not afraid of. I love the challenge that comes with it, because leadership is hard."
Parks is quick to note that he is reminded regularly about the toughness of leadership by A-State safeties coach
Jay Simpson – one Parks views as a mentor to gauge where he is at leadership-wise.
The Gardendale, Ala., native's leadership has translated across position groups, especially through this past offseason, when he moved over to the linebacker room. A safety for the past three seasons, Parks now takes the field in the hybrid STAR position left vacant by
Melique Straker's departure due to graduation.
Parks' position change was sparked in the spring, while he was recovering from injury. Head Coach
Butch Jones called him into his office and said he wanted someone smart and physical to take over the role. To do that, Parks would have to add 20 pounds, which he found necessary due to the increased frequency of taking on 300-plus pound linemen.
Regarding the transition, Parks noted similarities to his high school career, in which he played at the Nickelback spot.
"(The position change) was fairly easy, because in high school I played nickel and this was a pretty similar position," he said. "I'm in the box a little bit more and taking on 330-pound linemen sometimes, so I must make sure my bolts are screwed in. It's been great, though."
A-State's co-leader in tackles (31 total, 15 solo) not only leads the Pack at the midfield coin toss and on defense but is no stranger to seeing the field on special teams, noting its importance to what is emphasized around the Centennial Bank Operations Center as complementary football.
"Special teams is a big part of playing complementary football," he said. "You can't have one without the other. You must have all three phases playing as one and playing with each other. I realized how important special teams is, so I like to challenge the younger guys. There are multiple units, so even if you're not on offense or defense, you're still a big part of the game."
Parks and the Red Wolves look to continue their four-game home winning streak on Saturday, hosting South Alabama in the Sun Belt Conference opener at 6 p.m. inside Centennial Bank Stadium.
