Jacob Parrish Scouting Report
By: Michael Higgins
(Image courtesy of Kansas State Athletics)
School: Kansas State
Class: Junior
Position: CB
HT: 5’10
WT: 191 lbs
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Background: Jacob Parrish was a 3-star cornerback in the class of 2022 out of Olathe, Kansas. Parrish was a top 150 athlete in the class and a top 20 player in the state of Kansas. Parrish played for Olathe North High School, where he played cornerback, running back, and wide receiver. He received all-state honors as a senior. Parrish also played basketball and competed in track and field for Olathe North. Parrish committed to Kansas State over North Dakota State, Air Force, and Army.
College: Parrish saw action in every game as a freshman in a reserve and special teams role. In 2023, Parrish started every game at cornerback for the Wildcats. His 13 pass breakups and 4 interceptions helped to earn him All-Big 12 honorable mention honors. In 2024, Parrish started every game and totaled one interception and a total of 8 passes defended.
Strengths: Jacob Parrish is a smaller, yet physical, cornerback with the versatility to play both on the boundary and at the nickel. Parrish has exceptional press technique. He has a strong punch at the line of scrimmage to jam receivers and knock them off their route. He is able to hold his own against boundary receivers while also slowing down the faster receivers with his press ability. Parrish has noticeable click and close ability that allows him to recover when he gives up separation. Parrish does well to read the receiver’s body language to time the breaks and stick on the inside hip of his receiver. At the catchpoint, Parrish is aggressive. He has excellent ball skills and even if he does not force the turnover, he finds a way to get his hands on the football. He is able to undercut throws in zone coverage with speed to make a play where the quarterback thought he had an open throwing window.
Weaknesses: Parrish is undersized and it may be hard for him to hang with the bigger boundary wide receivers in the NFL. He has good press technique, but that will only do so much for him in such a lopsided physical battle. His arms are under 31 inches which will be a problem at the catchpoint and when trying to jam receivers at the line of scrimmage. His lack of length also shows up in run support. He does not show a true desire to trigger down and make tackles as a run defender. He also tends to miss tackles when attempting a wrap up.
Conclusion: Jacob Parrish has played both on the boundary and in the slot during his time at Kansas State. His lack of real size will prevent him from getting an extended look on the boundary in the NFL but he has the skillset to be a dynamic nickel.
Scheme Fit: Man Coverage
Ideal Role: Nickel
Best Team Fits: LVR, LAC, NO
Player Comparison: Devon Witherspoon
Player Grade: Round 2 (81.6)
