Diamond Dog commit Keilon Parnell collecting gridiron offers and interest – 247Sports

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Pascagoula High School’s Keilon Parnell has been a long-time commitment for the Mississippi State baseball program. But the 2023 athlete has also collected offers and interest for his talents on the gridiron.

Last year the 5-foot-11 and 170-pound Parnell opened a lot of eyes with his production in football. While he may face a position change in his senior season, Parnell is still expected to play a huge role for Pascagoula’s offense.

“My junior season was alright and it was not as good as my sophomore year,” recalled Parnell. “I did break a couple of school records last year and I accounted for 55 touchdowns. I played just quarterback last year and I did well passing and running the ball. But this coming season, I will most likely be at wide receiver. I haven’t played defense so far but they may put me at safety this year.”

Regarding his Diamond Dog pledge, Parnell said he felt comfortable with their program. He noted that the atmosphere there also fits his “lifestyle”.

“I’ve been committed to Mississippi State baseball since my freshman year,” added Parnell, who is expected to be an outfielder at the next level. “It was about the connections I made with the coaching staff and definitely their campus. It fits my lifestyle and I am a country boy. I like the way their players do things and they have a good nutrition program, too.”

On the football side of things, this spring saw Parnell collect his first Division 1 offers from Louisiana and Navy. He noted of other schools showing interest, as well.

“It’s been fun to start getting football recruiting interest,” said Parnell. “Mississippi State has showed more interest since my junior season and I went to a couple of games there last year. Coach Steve Spurrier (Jr.) has been in touch more, too, and they are recruiting me as a wide receiver.

“I’ve also picked up interest from Memphis and Air Force, and those schools want me there for summer camps and so does Mississippi State.”

Parnell also has family connections within Mississippi State’s football program. He is cousins with Bulldog receiver Jaden Walley and he mentioned that his cousin has given him good insight into the program.

“I’ve talked to Jaden a lot about the football program and he likes it there,” said Parnell. “Plus, I’ve been able to talk to their coaches when I went to games there. Jaden said it is fun there but said it is a lot of hard work. He said Coach (Mike) Leach is a tough coach that wants everyone to work hard.”

While his future with the Diamond Dogs is secured, Parnell would like the chance to play two sports at the next level. Obviously, that preference would be at Mississippi State.

“I know it would be tough to play both sports,” Parnell said. “You’ve got to have the right mindset and you have to be tough. But I saw that Brad Cumbest did play two sports at Mississippi State.

“But I hope I get that football offer from Mississippi State. I would definitely play both sports there and I hope it works out.”
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