— By Taylor Kennedy, Charleston Gazette-Mail
Da’Ron Parks has always posed a threat for opposing defenses, especially linemen.
His footwork, stature and physicality caught the eyes of many high school and college coaches during his high school football career.
Parks was a force up front in 2025 on a Nitro offensive line that helped the Wildcats record more than 5,800 yards of offense. Of those yards, 2,233 came on the ground.
Parks’ main responsibility was protecting Wildcats quarterback Eian Duffy’s blind side.
His play on the offensive line was recognized by the West Virginia Sports Writers Association as the winner of the Stydahar Award, which is given annually to the state’s top prep football lineman.
“There are some great offensive linemen throughout the state, but I don’t know who would be any more deserving than Da’Ron,” Nitro coach Boom McKinney said. “People don’t understand the work this guy does outside of practice. His footwork is amazing.
“When he first got here and I saw his footwork, he looked better in some drills than some of our wide receivers and running backs.”
Parks became the first Nitro offensive lineman to win the Stydahar Award, which was called the Ken Hunt Award until 2015.
The 6-foot-5, 300-pound offensive lineman is also the first Kanawha County recipient of this award since 2013, when Capital’s James Walton won it.
Parks became the 13th Kanawha County player to claim an award which originated in 1959.
“He’s such a hard worker and humble kid,” McKinney said. “He definitely protected our backside this year. He did all the work we asked of him this season. He deserves this.”
Parks first committed to Florida State in July. However, on November 24, he decommitted from the Seminoles.
Parks then signed with North Carolina in front of friends and family at Nitro High School during the NCAA early football signing period on Dec. 3.
“It’s a great place,” Parks said. “The community and everything wants to see football do well there. And, of course, [Tar Heels coach Bill Belichick] and the rest of the staff brought it.”
Parks said he plans to enroll early in Chapel Hill, as he’s aiming for Jan. 4 as his move-in date.
He felt that a weight had been lifted off of his shoulders as he signed early with the Tar Heels.
“A big sense of relief,” Parks said. “It [was] crazy those last few days. I’ve dreamed of and am thankful for this.”
North Carolina finished the 2025 season at 4-8 and 2-6 in the Atlantic Coast Conference.
Yet, those records didn’t have much effect on Parks’ decision to commit to the Heels.
He’s simply wanting to make the most of the opportunity in front of him.
“I want to give everything I can,” Parks said. “I want to do my job every single play and give constant, constant effort.”
McKinney feels that Parks’ ability to lead by example and work ethic will help him prosper at the next level.
“His ability to be humble will guide him,” McKinney said. “He’s not real outspoken, but he leads by example. When he came here, the other players looked up to him, which allowed everyone to grow.”