Jim Parker

Bio

Ohio State's Jim Parker was a huge man, at 248- pounds the largest guard to play for Ohio State up to that time. But despite his size, Parker was cat-quick, explosive and driven with determination. As a workhorse in the Buckeye line, he made coach Woody Hayes' three-yards-and-a-cloud-of-dust-offense work. A sophomore in 1954, the Macon, Georgia, native opened holes for Buckeye backs as they raced to a perfect ten-game season, the Big Ten Conference title and the national championship. The next year he was a first-team All-America and all-conference player. In 1956, Parker was by far the flashiest lineman in the country, and his efforts were rewarded when he became the first Ohio State player to win the Outland Award. The unanimous All-America placed eighth in the Heisman vote. After college, Parker recorded several All-Pro seasons with the Baltimore Colts.

Career Highlights

• 1956 All-Conference
• 1956 Heisman - Eighth
• 1956 Outland Trophy Winner
• 1956 Unanimous All-America
• 1955 All-Conference
• 1955 First Team All-America