Name: James Parison
School: MidAmerica Nazarene
Position: DT/DE
Height: 6’2″
Weight: 280

Q: What goals did you set and/or accomplish in your final collegiate season?

The goals I had set for myself for the 2019 season was to be noticed my peers, coaches, and fellow athletes as a natural leader. I wanted to be an all-conference player, a team captain, above 3.0 GPA and I wanted awards at the end of the year football banquet. I ended up becoming team captain for every game, honorable mention all-conference, and I was first place in the 1,000 pound club having the highest total of the most weight moved in power clean, bench press, and squat. My total was 1,260 lbs.

Q: What would your coaches and teammates say about the type of player you are?

My fellow coaches and players would say that I am a grinder. I love the thrill of competition. Especially winning in competition. My coaches would call me a cerebral player that likes to be on top of situations, and an extremely hard worker. My teammates would call me knowledgeable, energetic, and intense.

Q: When you are studying film, what do you focus on to improve your game?

While studying film, I focus on my own tendencies first. I’m my own biggest critic. I make sure my steps are correct, I have no wasted movement, and I take the move that the opposing team gives me. I like to see if my opposer takes false steps, if they set more vertical or not, and their physicality.

Q: What separates you from the other pro prospects at your position?

What separates me from other pro prospects are that I won’t accept failure. I will consistently be the same guy in the building every single day. That being passionate, energetic, competitive, eager, and ready. I have always had the hardest worker mentality.

Q: What is your offseason plan to train and prepare for professional opportunities?

Before the pandemic, I trained every day at The Burn KC, really focusing on balance/stability, proprioception, explosiveness/power, and strength. I like to really push myself, so I don’t get injured. Now that the Coronavirus has hit, I was able to get a home gym from my father in law, I take mile long jogs while mixing in sprints, and I bought a bicycle, and I make sure I don’t become less strong than my friends.

Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?

My strengths that I bring to a team are my passion to be great and not accepting less. I like to bring a sense of accountability from my teammates. I can get more out of people even when they don’t necessarily feel like giving more. I can elevate the energy of everyone around me. I demand excellence and I will do whatever it takes to win.

Q: What is your final pitch to the NFL/CFL or any other pro leagues?

My final pitch is no matter what is thrown at me, I excel. Throughout my time at MNU, I had 5 different D Line coaches, four different defensive coordinators, and three different head coaches. Through each change, I still got better every single season. I will always want to compete to earn my spot. I don’t expect anything. My motor runs hot, and I am always ready to roll. I will try my best to get more out of myself and everyone around me. Since my dream has turned into a reality, I will not look back, and I will keep charging ahead with a full head of steam.