Gators Bolster Secondary with Late Addition of 3-Star Safety Eric Parks Jr.
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — As head coach Jon Sumrall continues to mold the Florida Gators’ roster in his image, the program secured a late but notable addition to the 2026 class on Thursday night. Eric Parks Jr., a three-star safety out of Tampa Bay Technical High School, announced his commitment to the Orange and Blue via social media, choosing Florida over his previous commitment to Florida Atlantic.
Parks, a 6-foot, 190-pound defensive back, is reportedly joining the program as a preferred walk-on. Despite the walk-on status, Parks brings a decorated high school resume and a high level of familiarity to the Gators’ locker room.
A Familiar Connection
The addition of Parks isn’t just a win for the depth chart; it’s a reunion. Parks was a high school teammate of current Florida star and former five-star wide receiver Dallas Wilson. During their time together at Tampa Bay Tech, the duo helped lead the Titans to the regional finals.
The existing chemistry between Parks and Wilson is expected to help the safety transition quickly to life in Gainesville. In fact, sources indicate that Parks is already on campus, getting a head start on winter conditioning and the upcoming spring practice schedule.
By the Numbers: Eric Parks Jr.
Parks was a consistent playmaker in one of Florida’s most competitive high school classifications.
| Metric | Statistics |
| Height/Weight | 6’0″ / 190 lbs |
| Junior Season Stats | 39 Tackles, 8 TFL, 3 PBU, 1 INT |
| National Ranking (S) | No. 123 (247Sports Composite) |
| Notable Offers | Wake Forest, USF, Liberty, UConn |
Fitting into the “Sumrall Culture”
The move comes just 24 hours after Coach Sumrall officially announced a finalized 112-man roster. While many schools are focused solely on the transfer portal, Sumrall has emphasized building a competitive culture through every avenue possible.
Parks’ decision to flip from a scholarship spot at FAU to a preferred walk-on role at Florida speaks to the “earn it” mentality Sumrall is instilling. Known for his physicality and “dog” mentality, Parks is expected to provide immediate competition in a safety room that features returning contributors like Bryce Thornton and Lagonza Hayward, as well as incoming four-star signee Kaiden Hall.
Leave a Reply