Local Hero Jacob Parrish: From Small Town to Tampa Bay's Big Stage
In a surprising yet exhilarating turn of events for college football enthusiasts, Jacob Parrish, the standout cornerback from Kansas State University, has been snatched up in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft by none other than the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. This pick marks a pivotal moment not just for Parrish, but also highlights the Wildcat’s knack for churning out second-round talents, making it three years in a row now.
I’ve always had an eye for talent that others might sleep on, and Jacob Parrish’s journey from a ‘two-star’ recruit out of Olathe North to an NFL prospect truly embodies that underdog spirit. Imagine if you will, a raw gem, hidden in the vast mine of college football recruits, waiting to be polished. Parrish had offers from a smattering of schools, yet it was K-State that saw the potential, making him their only Power 5 bet.
Now, here’s where it gets interesting for the sports savvy and the SEO crowd too. Drafted at No. 84, he’s in the heart of that secondary round, a spot where teams scout for value picks, players poised to exceed expectations. Now, could this be the Bucs’ diamond in the rough? With the defensive prowess of a head coach like Todd Bowles, Parrish’s growth trajectory in Tampa Bay could well parallel the arcs we’ve seen in the digital realm, where the right strategy and visibility rocket content to the top.
I’ve covered hundreds of these stories, and each one drives home the point: the value isn’t just in the pick but in what you do with it. Parrish, with his traits for development into a slot corner, has that high ceiling scouts dream of, much like a website with potential to rank highly with the right tactics.
So, if you’re a Bucs fan or just someone intrigued by the parallels between sports drafting and SEO strategies, this is a storyline to watch. Ever wonder how a team like the Bucs, with their eyes set on reclaiming defensive glory, could be likened to an SEO campaign poised for growth? Well, that’s exactly what we’ve got here with Parrish.
LEARN MORE about Jacob Parrish and his journey with K-State and now with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.LEARN MORE
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Like what you read? Consider subscribing to EMAW ONLINE with a PREMIUM SUBSCRIPTION. AdvertisementParrish’s selection marks the third consecutive season that K-State has had a player selected in the second round of the NFL Draft. Last season, tight end Ben Sinnott was picked No. 53 overall by the Washington Commanders.”Overall, Parrish has the traits to develop into a quality slot corner and become an NFL starter in a year or two. It helps that he’s only 21 years old, which could give him a higher ceiling than older prospects.” -Bleacher Report’s Matt Holder
Jacob Parrish selected in third round by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
As a Recruit
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What the scouts are saying
Last season, the Buccaneers played safety Tykee Smith at slot cornerback. While Smith was solid as a rookie, many believe he should move back to safety, a more natural role. If that’s the case, Parrish has a good chance of competing for a starting job in Tampa Bay’s secondary.
Coming out of Olathe (Kans.) North High School, Jacob Parrish was considered a raw prospect with high upside. Ranked as a two-star cornerback, Parrish held offers from nine schools, most of which were Group of 5 programs. K-State was his only Power 5 offer.
How he fits
Tampa Bay selected Notre Dame cornerback Benjamin Morrison in the second round, but Parrish will likely play a different role for the Buccaneers.Although K-State did not have a cornerback picked last season, the Wildcats have become a breeding ground for NFL-caliber defensive backs. In 2023, cornerbacks JuJu Brents (No. 44 overall) and Josh Hayes (No. 181) were NFL Draft picks.Kansas State cornerback Jacob Parrish was selected No. 84 overall in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Parrish is the first K-State player chosen in this year’s draft.
Even if Smith remains the starter, Parrish lands in an ideal spot for his development. Head coach Todd Bowles is a defensive-minded head coach, and he’s helped develop a lot of cornerbacks alongside cornerbacks coach Kevin Ross. Come join the conversation over at THE CAT CAVE FORUM.“Jacob Parrish is going to be a value for someone. Not because he is being overlooked but because he is clustered with so many other talented cornerbacks. I love his ability to stay with receivers in man coverage. I appreciate his ability to cover ground in zone, and his run defense isn’t to be forgotten about. Parrish may not be great in any specific area, but he shows he is still growing as a defender, and for someone to get him and finish that off, they could have a future CB1 at a value. I really like his potential and value as a prospect.” -USA Today Sports’s Andrew Harbaugh An All-Big 12 Honorable Mention the last two seasons, Parrish played in 28 games in his career, recording 102 total tackles, including five for a loss, and five interceptions.
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