 Parker became the "Los Angeles Times" player of the year, first-team all-state and a second-team All-American pick by "USA Today" by leading the Los Angeles area in rushing (4,000 yards) and scoring (50 touchdowns) as a senior at Locke High School while playing for a team that went 0–9 that season.He was also the homecoming king and an honor roll student with a 3.9 grade-point average.Parker was a running back at Texas A&M, where he was known for his speed and playmaking ability.