Flashes’ lineman is an NFL draft possibility

Senior offensive lineman Augustus Parrish looks to join six other former Flashes who are currently on NFL rosters. Daniel R. Doherty | Daily Kent Stater

Credit: DKS Editors

Kent State offensive lineman Augustus “Gus” Parrish measured in at 6-foot-4 and 303 pounds at the NFL combine at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

Parrish wasn’t close to being the biggest (LSU’s Herman Johnson at 364 pounds) or tallest (North Carolina’s Garrett Reynolds at 6-foot-8) lineman at the combine, but the Flashes’ big man is still getting more than a few looks because of his skill.

Kent State coach Doug Martin said he thinks Parrish will succeed in the NFL because he still has tremendous upside.

“I think the positive about him is that he hasn’t (maxed) out his potential yet,” Martin said. “He’s going to get much better, and he’s going to play a long, long time in the league.”

Assistant sports editor Thomas Gallick put a call in to “Emperor” Augustus to see what the king of Kent State’s offensive line would be doing on draft day and why a team should take a chance on Flashes’ quarterback Julian Edelman.

It’s going to be a big weekend for you. What are your plans for the draft?

I’ll probably ride back home Saturday and just chill with my family. I’ll try to watch some of it (the draft).

Coach Doug Martin on the draft &bullOn why a team should take a chance on Julian Edelman: “I think it’s just his athletic ability. He can be effective on kick returns and kick coverage. In the NFL, the new craze is the wildcat (offense) … a lot of people have talked to him about that. (Mostly) it’s his versatility and athletic ability.” &bull On what Parrish is like off the field: “He is kind of laid-back. He’s more of a quiet person, but he really matured into a team leader his final year.” &bull On whether Kent State is becoming more recognized in draft circles: “Yeah, and I think it’s a compliment to our assistant coaches and how they’ve evaluated talent.”

What are your emotions going into the draft with a possibility of being selected?

I’m thrilled. It’s great to be in this position. I’m anxious because you don’t know exactly where you’re going to end up. You don’t know how it’s going to work out.

Has it always been your goal to play in the NFL?

Oh yeah, definitely. Ever since I was little, it’s always been a dream. I’d probably say my junior year of high school (I realized it could happen). People were saying “If you go to college and play well, it’s possible.”

Kent State has the chance to see its third draft in a row with a Flash making it to the pros. Is Kent State becoming a more respected school for draft prospects?

I would say so. Those guys (Usama Young, Jack Williams) really opened up the door for us.

Do you still keep in touch with Usama and Jack?

Yeah, I definitely try to keep in touch and still talk to those guys.

You spent most of your Kent State career protecting another possible draft pick, quarterback Julian Edelman. Sell me on why an NFL team should take a chance on him.

I mean, he’s a hard worker. He’s an athlete. I just feel like he’s definitely worth a look (because) he’s put the work in.

Contact assistant sports editor Thomas Gallick at [email protected].