2017 Oklahoma Sooners Football Countdown To Kickoff | 10 Days!

You can start using your hands to count down with us, Sooner fans, because we are only 10 days away from kicking off the 2017 season! Our countdown piece for today is all about veteran safety Steven Parker II.

The senior defensive back from Tulsa, Oklahoma was practically destined to play football in the Sooner State. Parker’s father, Steven Parker (the first), played for Oklahoma State, while his grandfather, Charles Parker, was a Sooner. In fact, Charles Parker was one of the first ever black players to walk-on at OU in 1955. As we all know by now, the highly-rated Steven Parker II ultimately elected to spend his collegiate eligibility in Norman.

As far as memorable moments come, there is perhaps no moment more significant for Steven Parker than in 2015, when TCU came to town.

Baker Mayfield had been taken out of the game at halftime due to a concussion, and the Horned Frogs crept their way back into the game. With under a minute left, TCU scored a touchdown and could tie the game with an extra point. TCU head coach Gary Patterson wanted to play for the win instead, and chose to go for the 2-point conversion. Here’s how it went down:

In one of the more heroic moments in recent Sooner history, Steven Parker saved the night as well as OU’s playoff chances as he batted the pass right out of the air. The crowd was electric as the celebration ensued, and OU would eventually earn a spot in the College Football Playoff.

Since his true freshman season, Parker has started 30 of his 39 games, including every game for the past two years. He recorded his first two interceptions of his career last season, one against TCU and the other against Texas Tech. Going into his final season, Parker is expected to be a leader both on the field and in the locker room for the Oklahoma Sooners. Look for the veteran defender to have his best year yet in the upcoming season.

Follow Crimson & Cream Machine on Twitter!