TORONTO — The son of a former Edmonton Eskimo and Grey Cup Champion by the same name, Western Oregon’s Doug Parrish wants to make a name for himself.
The six-foot, 225-pound linebacker follows in the footsteps up his father, who played with Edmonton and Sacramento from 1991 through 1994, recording 89 tackles and six interceptions over four seasons.
In the latest prospect profile, Parrish describes what it would be like to return to Edmonton, where his dad played when he was barely a year old:
“I have not been back to Edmonton since I was born, but once I end up back in Edmonton I think it’s going to be a great experience for me because I really don’t remember much from when I was younger,” says Parrish. “I think it’s going to be cool to go back to my roots and where I was born and really get to experience and get a feel for the place.”
Above all, Parrish says he can’t wait to get on the field and start making his own career a special one. His dad had a special career in the CFL and now he wants to as well.
“I kind of want to make my own name and be my own person,” he says. “Wherever I get drafted to it’s just going to be great for me. I think it’ll be a great moment, not only for me but all of my family.
“I’m the oldest of nine grandchildren and they’re all like my little brothers so I feel like that would be a great accomplishment for all of us together as a family.”
The thought of being drafted on May 10 has Parrish thinking about his first pro game, likely to come late in June as the 2016 CFL season kicks off. He’s already visualized making that first big hit.
“I picture it all the time actually,” he says. “I’m thinking about it during workout sessions, when I go to sleep at night, dream about it. When I wake up in the morning that’s the first thing I wake up thinking about. It’s pretty big.
“I love making big hits already as it is, I’m going crazy after,” he added. “But I feel like my first one as a pro is going to be the best one.
“First time I run out of that tunnel, coming out and making a big hit – it’s going to feel great.”
The CFL Draft will take place on May 10 at 7 p.m. ET. Click here for broadcast information and full draft order.