Parkinson develops into one of nation's elite

Stanford tight end commit Colby Parkinson has had one of the best offseasons of any recruit in America. The Rivals100 standout has been a nearly unstoppable force at numerous showcases, using his 6-foot-7 frame, superior athleticism and hands to best the competition.

But earlier in the spring, Parkinson wasn't playing up to his ability. In fact, he struggled in one-on-one reps at the Los Angeles Rivals camp.

That turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Parkinson used his shortcomings of that day as a catalyst for change.

"I went to the Rivals Camp and I got destroyed by the guys," Parkinson said. "I was not physical, I couldn't reach my routes. From that point on I was like, 'Alright, take advantage of your size, use it to the best of your ability.' From then on out, my entire mentality and my entire game changed."

The difference in Parkinson has been quite evident in the months since. He's dominated numerous events and cemented himself as the nation's top tight end recruit.

Most recently, Parkinson participated in The Opening Finals in Oregon, where he stood out from a talented group of tight end prospects.

"I had a great time," Parkinson said. "It was really fun going up against the best players, kind of sizing myself up against the rest of the nation. I obviously got a lot better going against the best guys... Going against the best national guys and hanging out with some of those guys, it was fun."

The experience also solidified Parkinson's belief that he truly has the ability to match up well with the country's top players.

"I think I learned that I can hang with some of the best guys," Parkinson said. "I always knew I was kind of an alright tight end, but (competing) against these guys kind of solidified my confidence, for sure."

That wasn't Parkinson's only important takeaway from The Opening, however. he was matched with 2017 Stanford quarterback commit Davis Mills on the same 7-on-7 team. The duo proved to be a lethal force, combining on numerous completions over the course of the event.

"What I learned is that I'm very excited for the future," Parkinson said. "Davis is a great guy and even better quarterback. He knows were to throw the ball. He can throw it up for me where I need it and he can make those really accurate throws. Other than that he's just a really fun guy to hang out with. Throughout the week we were obviously on the same 7-on-7 team so we had a chance to hang out and talk a lot. I'm excited for the future - me and him, Tucker (Fisk), trying to get some of these other guys going up there. It's going to be a pretty good class when we get up there."

Parkinson's performance at The Opening vaulted him up recruiting rankings. He was named a five-star - a rare designation for tight ends - on one site.

"I'm the first one to tell you that rankings don't mean a whole lot, especially because rankings can't play for you, but getting that fifth star was pretty cool and pretty exciting," Parkinson said. "But I'm more excited to prove myself instead of just letting it sit there. I don't want to just be content with my rating- I want to go this regular season when the pads come on and prove myself to everyone else."

On the recruiting front, Parkinson remains committed to Stanford, and his relationship with the Cardinal continues to progress. He spent time with Christian McCaffrey at The Opening.

"I love talking with anyone from Stanford," Parkinson said. "I had a chance to talk to Christian McCaffrey a little bit this last week. It was a good time talking with him, bonding a little bit over Stanford and then talking to him about who we're trying to recruit - Foster, Walker, Salvon and Darnay and all those guys."

Parkinson's most recent visit to Stanford was last month for the Cardinal's camp.

"I had a good time," Parkinson said. "It was fun hanging out with all of the coaches. When you're a commit they kind of treat you like one of their own, because we are. So it was fun hanging out with all of the coaches, getting to know everyone a little bit more. And then Osiris was up there, Osiris St. Brown, so I was talking to him a little bit, trying to recruit him. It was a fun time - I didn't really do too much football stuff, which was interesting, but it was fun hanging out with everyone and just building better relationships."

The next step in Parkinson's Cardinal recruitment will be the admissions process. He could receive a decision in the not-too-distant future.

"I'm trying to get my app in tonight (Wednesday) - that's my goal," Parkinson said. "I'm putting the finishing touches and will send it in."