By: Jacob Eisenberg
If you were to customize an elite wide receiver from a blank slate, he would probably end up looking a lot like Mamaroneck’s Alex Parkinson.
Want size? At 6-foot-5 and 210 pounds, Parkinson was actually recruited by several schools to play both linebacker and tight end in college for several schools. At wide receiver, Parkinson effortlessly imposes his physical dominance on rival cornerbacks – making it laughable to think he once looked like a lanky weight room project.
Want speed and athleticism? Only 17 years old, Parkinson recently ran the 40-Yard Dash in 4.70 seconds; on par with Johnny Manziel’s time at the NFL combine. Parkinson also plays basketball for Mamaroneck High School, where he’s been one of the team’s leading scorers and rebounders for the past two seasons.
Want big hands? Parkinson has been palming basketballs for years and has earned a reputation for translating deep quarterback prayers into one-handed catching spectacles down the field.
But what truly differentiates Parkinson from most other elite wide receivers across the country is his commitment to the classroom. With offers extended from ACC and Big Ten schools all fall semester, Parkinson surprised many when he formally committed to play wide receiver for Princeton University over Thanksgiving break.
“I chose Princeton because of the opportunities academically and athletically that I will receive,” Parkinson said. “I also built relationships with the coaching staff and felt at home.”
Spurning football programs from powerhouse conferences was not easy. But in the end, Parkinson knew that his college decision had to consider scholarly opportunities off the field. Parkinson is enrolled in two Advanced Placement courses at Mamaroneck, showing he’s not one to back down from a challenge academically.
“As far as life after football, I am unsure as to what I want to do exactly.” Parkinson admitted. “I just know Princeton will give me a great chance to do whatever I choose.”
Parkinson was named to USA Today’s All-USA New York Football Team for his vital role in leading Mamaroneck to their best record in years. He led Mamaroneck in both total receptions and touchdown receptions, scoring six touchdowns in eight games. His defense was also noteworthy, as he averaged nearly 11 tackles per game.
While Princeton finished 2014 at just 5-5, there’s reason to believe Parkinson’s commitment will boost them toward the upper echelon of the Ivy League football standings in the near future.
“I’m very excited for the chance to compete for an Ivy League title year in and year out.”
~Alex Parkinson