Kyle Parker had what is arguably the best year a two-sport athlete has ever had during the 2009-2010 academic year.
First, Parker threw 20 touchdown passes in his first season as Clemson's starting quarterback to help the Tigers to a Music City Bowl win over Kentucky. He then smacked 20 home runs and batted .344 to help the Clemson baseball team reach the College World Series. He is the first player in Division One history to throw 20 touchdowns and hit 20 home runs in the same academic year.
Parker is back under center with the football team this fall, but he also just signed a pro baseball contract after being a first round draft pick of the Colorado Rockies in June's MLB Draft. He will report to spring training next year and then decide whether or not to continue his college football career.
Here is an exclusive Q&A with the Clemson two-sport star:
Q: You are the first player in Division One history to throw 20 touchdowns and hit 20 home runs in the same academic year. Your goal going into last year was to be a 15/15 guy. Why was that important to you?
A: Actually I just went out there and obviously I threw 20 touchdowns and I knew I had the ability to at least hit 15 home runs. Honestly it wasn't something I thought about until I got so close and started looking up on it and realized no one's ever done that before.
Q: What's the most memorable touchdown you threw last year?
A: Probably an overtime touchdown versus Miami.
Q: How about the most memorable home run?
A: I don't know. I hit a couple of 'em. It's just exciting to get the opportunity out there. I think all of them helped out team out.
Q: You helped the baseball team get to the College World Series just a couple months ago. How would you describe that experience?
A: That was very exciting. Getting to go out to Omaha in the last year (for the CWS at Rosenblatt Stadium) was an awesome experience. I think it's something you can look back on and you really reflect on and say you did that.
Q: You also helped the football team to a Music City Bowl win last year. How do those experiences compare?
A: I think they're both extremely exciting. I had a good time getting to do both of them and go out there and play against some great competition was an awesome experience.
Q: Your biggest rival, South Carolina, not only won the College World Series, but they also eliminated you to get to the Championship Series. How tough was it watching them win it all?
A: It was extremely tough, especially since we thought we should have won.
Q: You just signed a pro contract after being drafted in the first round by the Colorado Rockies. You will play football this fall, but you're done with baseball at Clemson (with one year of eligibility remaining). Was it a tough decision to sign?
A: It was extremely tough. The biggest thing was I had to do what I felt was right for me and my future, and the good thing is (Clemson baseball) coach (Jack) Leggett and those guys understood and respected it.
Q: There was a time when it looked like you might not sign the baseball contract. What put you over the top to make the decision?
A: I just thought it was a once in a lifetime opportunity. Not a whole lot of guys get selected in the first round. I think I am gonna get a legitimate shot at making it to the Major Leagues, so ultimately that was what affected my decision.
Q: You still have two more years of football eligibility left after this year. Do you see yourself playing football at Clemson a year from now?
A: That's tough to say right now. I think we're just gonna go through the season and see what decisions can be made at the end and go from there.
Q: Did you grow-up dreaming of playing in the Big Leagues or in the NFL?
A: I've been the type of guy who's always played football in the fall and baseball in the spring, so I've pictured myself doing both.
Q: So do you see yourself doing both professionally - a Deion Sanders-like career if that's possible?
A: It's really tough to say right now. It just comes down to what I want to do and what I think is best for my future. Right now I really couldn't answer that. I guess we'll just have to see how everything goes and I'll make decisions from there.
Q: What has been the best thing about playing two sports in college?
A: I've got to experience a lot of things that a lot of guys haven't. Like we were talking about earlier. Going to a bowl game, going to Omaha. Just being in the spotlight all the time is extremely exciting.
Q: What's been the toughest thing?
A: The toughest thing is going to class, I'll tell you that much!
To listen to this exclusive interview CLICK HERE.
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