Devaughn Parson became the latest Liberty High football player to accept a

full athletic scholarship when the all-region defensive end committed to

Division I-AA Central Connecticut State.

The 6-foot-2, 260-pounder was also looking at Norfolk State and Arkansas-Pine

Bluff.

Parson visited Central Connecticut's New Britain campus with coach Tommy Buzzo

last weekend and liked it enough to commit. The usually candid Buzzo praised

Parson as perhaps Liberty's top defensive senior during the team's 9-1 season,

but did indicate Parson has work to do to be successful collegiately.

"He's mobile but he does not run well enough to play defensive end in

college. He's got to get bigger and more physical," said Buzzo, who

indicated Central Connnecticut is likely to move Parson to defensive tackle, and

try to bulk him up to 270.

"His best attribute is that he can become a physical beast," Buzzo

added.

Parson had 45 tackles and 11 sacks in his senior year and was first team

all-Northwestern District and all-Region II.

When Parson signs in February, it will give Liberty 13 football players on

Division I athletic scholarships since 2000.

Led by punter Andy Smith, other Eagle seniors are still in the running to play

in college. Smith "is on a few boards (recruiting lists)," said Buzzo,

but kickers are not as precious a commodity, thus drawing out the process.

"Andy is a scholarship football player, but the problem is that football

programs only need a punter every four years, and then they want you to walk

on," said Buzzo.

Smith averaged 42 yards a punt as a senior.

Running back Myles Reid may draw an NCAA Division II offer, Buzzo said.

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