The foundation of Corey Parker’s personal and professional identities starts with relationships. From calling and checking in on his family as often as possible while at work, to being his authentic self around his players and fellow coaches, Parker’s success is rooted in trust, honesty, and transparency.
Even as his life changed – including the coaching transition to the collegiate level and the growth of his family, those philosophies remained constant. Now, as he enters his first season at Illinois as the program’s new defensive backs coach, Parker is eager to bring his infectious personality to Champaign and the Big Ten.
“The type of success that these guys are building upon is something that draws me in. It’s something that creates a little bit of interest for me to say, ‘Hey, this could be a good challenge,'” Parker said. “All the great things aligned. It’s the Big Ten. It’s a great level of college football that I grew up in and grew up around. It’s a top challenge.
“If you’re from the Midwest, you want to coach and be a part of Big Ten football.”
Hailing from Detroit, Parker learned how to be physically and mentally tough starting at a young age. Growing up in the Motor City instilled a sense of grit and discipline that has directly translated into his outlook on life today.
“It taught me to stay disciplined in who I am and not let those environments and those people change who I am to the core. You’re raised to do right, but I saw so much wrong around me,” Parker said. “My mental toughness created an opportunity for me to go to a great high school, which gave me a chance to play college ball and get my degree. I took the path of the most resistance. It was a little bit tougher, but now I’m able to do a little bit more for my family. That’s mental toughness to me. That’s physical toughness to me. Growing up in Detroit puts that in you like no other, and you learn how to grow from it.”
Attending St. Martin De Porres High School, Parker played college football at Eastern Michigan, where he spent five years. Hoping to pursue a professional career, Parker looked to represent the Ottawa Renegades in the Canadian Football League.
The organization suspended its operations, though, forcing Parker to find another way to pay the bills. That came in the form of personal training with defensive backs and wide…
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