Late visit from da'ron parks leads to north carolina commitment

Blue-chip line recruit Da'Ron Parks during his UNC official visit

The interest went from subtle to frequent in short order for Da'Ron Parks.

Back when the Nitro (W.V.) High School star committed to Florida State in the summer, North Carolina was not among the top contenders for his pledge. But as the season progressed, the communication between each side increased.

It led to an official visit from the big blocker late in the 2025 season, and everything about this recruitment changed.

"The coaching staff is elite, Bill Belichick is a great coach," Parks said. "With the right class and right people, that program can be great.

"And it's gorgeous, it's beautiful there."

On Wednesday, Parks made it official with his signature to play for Belichick and company. What helped push the Tar Heels over the top was additional personnel in Chapel Hill.

"I can tell the people in the community love the program," he said. "Everybody around the community wants to see football be great.

"Being with the players was good, too."

Parks has experience up and down the offensive line, thriving especially as a senior after losing more than 50 pounds, and he is amid a state title tun at NHS.

At the next level, the versatility is likely to continue to push the Under Armour All-American up the depth chart.

"They see me as a guy that is gonna be able to play tackle and guard," he said. "I think I'm going to start on the interior, though."

On what Carolina fans should expect upon arrival next month as an early enrollee, Parks got straight to the point.

"Dominant performance," he said. "Relentless effort.

"I can't wait to be apart of something special!"