2015 Western Michigan Football Recruiting: TE Parker Underwood Talks Commitment to Broncos

Parker Underwood, Western Michigan's second verbal commit of the 2015 class, gave his pledge to P.J. Fleck back in mid-March, about one week after Junior McMullen.

Parker Underwood

East Lansing, MI

Status: Verbally committed to Western Michigan

Commitment Date: March 16, 2014

Height: 6'4"

Weight: 235 lbs.

Position(s): Tight End-Y, DE

High School: East Lansing H.S.

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"I got a call from Coach Fleck. He told me he watched my film and then he offered me over the phone," Underwood told Hustle Belt.

"He liked my physicality and how I can block and catch the ball in the passing game as well."

Underwood fills an important void for the Broncos, who still lack depth at the tight end position.

His 6-foot-4, 235 lb. frame has many thinking he could potentially earn playing time sooner rather than later.

The possibility of immediate playing time, among other things, is a large reason Underwood ultimately committed to Western Michigan.

Assistant coach Rob Wenger is leading Underwood's recruitment.

"They've told me that I'll start right away and they'll utilize me a lot in both the running game and the passing game," said Underwood.

"I have a pretty strong relationship with Tight Ends Coach Bill Kenney. He's sent a lot of players to the NFL. Being coached by him will be a positive just to have me under his wing."

"After I took my first visit, I fell in love with the coaching staff, the campus, the team, and I could see myself playing there. I love the brand new facilities and the energy in the program."

Underwood holds offers from both Toledo and Western Michigan, and was getting interest from Akron, Ball State, Central Michigan, Cincinnati, Eastern Michigan, Michigan State, Purdue, Rutgers, Syracuse, and UConn.

When asked how he would react if bigger schools eventually came calling, Underwood said, "I'm still open minded to schools that show interest in me, but I feel good about the decision that I've made so far."

"I feel blessed with the opportunity to have two offers so far and hopefully I'll get some more."