As much as Ozark linebacker Parker Elliott is looking forward to playing college ball, he’s hardly looking past his senior season as a Tiger.
Ozark is seeking its first winning season since 2020. But the losses haven’t waned Elliott’s enthusiasm for the game or his appreciation for his teammates.
Entering the Tigers’ trip to the Pitt State Camp this week, Elliott couldn’t be prouder of the efforts he and his cohorts have consistently shown throughout their off-season and during summer workouts.
“I have confidence in this team,” Elliott said. “We work really hard, super hard. We're here every day at 5:30 (a.m.) ready to go. Some days aren't our best days. But we always show up ready to go.
“I want myself and the team to have the best year we can. We're working toward that every day,” he added. “To carry out a dream, you’ve got to keep working. Nothing is given. A conference championship is our goal. We're working toward that every day.”
Elliott adds he feeds off of his teammates.
“I've played with these guys since the seventh grade. We’ve played a lot of football together,” he said. “I trust every single one of them. I have confidence in all my guys and that gives me confidence in myself.”
Elliott is fresh from one of the best seasons Ozark has received from a linebacker in recent years. He posted 136 tackles and was rewarded with a Class 6 All-State Third-Team selection.
During the post-season, Elliott filled in at running back and ran the ball 28 times for 87 yards at Waynesville and recorded 20 tackles at Nixa.
He’s excited to follow up his success.
“Give it my 100 percent all the time, no regrets,” Elliott said of his expectations for this season. “Leave it all out there, that's how me and my Dad have talked about it.”
Elliott's recruiting whirlwind over the winter and spring saw the 6-foot-1, 215-pounder make Junior Day visits to Kansas State, South Dakota State, Missouri State, Southern Illinois, Western Illinois and Miami (Ohio), attend a Kansas City Combine where he was named the top linebacker and participate in a RivalsCamp in Indianapolis.
“Very busy,” Elliott said of his recruiting. “It's been a lot of fun getting to see a lot of schools and meeting with coaches. It's a hard process. You have to trust there is a home out there for you.”
Elliott has been able to get advice from his mother, former Missouri State basketball star Melody (Howard).
“Her process came early and fast. Mine has been slower than hers,” Parker said. “She had a lot of offers early in her sophomore year. She says, ‘Trust God, He has a plan for you.' That's how I feel about it.”
