2012 East #20
Parish Thomas
Wide Receiver
5’5″ 160
High School: Ann Arbor Huron, A
High School Coach: Cory Gildersleeve
College: Undecided
Parish’s parents are Kendall Thomas and Tara Hylton. He has four sisters, Katria Thomas (18), Keyanna Thomas (13), Miana Thomas (12) and Julia Thomas (2). He also has three brothers, Michael Adams (22), Keyanni Thomas (13), and Jordan Thomas (5).
Parish started playing football in the sixth grade for the Euclid Panthers. In eighth grade he played football at Willow Run Middle School. As at Ann Arbor Huron High School and played slot receiver and corner back. In his sophomore year on the JV team, he started at running back and returned kicks. He was a captain on the JV team and was also awarded the team’s Offensive Player of the Year. His junior year on varsity he started at corner back, returned kicks and also got some carries at running back. His senior year, Parish started at corner back for the first game while splitting reps at running back but then was switched to full time offense where he played running back and slot receiver and returned kicks for the rest of the season. He rushed for 1067 yards and 9 touchdowns on 98 carries. He also had 24 receptions for 420 yards and 2 more touchdowns. In his seven years of playing football Parish only missed one game to injury and one to illness.
Parish also played basketball for two years and participated with the Huron Power Lifting Club in the winter.
Parish said, “I thank God, because without him I would not be able to do the things I do on and off the field. He has given me the strength, ability, and mindset to be successful.” He also said, “Many people have influenced me and helped me become successful. My first football head coach, Brian Pringle, started me off and made me work hard and follow through both in practice and games. My head football coach at Huron, Cory Gildersleeve, has been a huge inspiration to me. When the going got tough he kept telling me he was going to find a spot for me and that I was going to make it. I just kept working hard, and he gave me the opportunity to start at running back in his program – my dream position. It meant a lot to me because most people would not give me that shot but he did and I needed that. I also want to thank my family for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to pursue my dreams and being at the games supporting me. I thank my offensive line because the “big guys” upfront worked so hard which helped me get the accolades. Finally, I want to thank my mom. She flew up here from Texas to see me play in our senior night game. That meant so much to me.
Awards
1st Team All South Eastern Conference
Running Back, 2011
1st Team All Washtenaw County RB, 2011
Honorable Mention All State Wide Receiver, 2011