Kansas State cornerback Jacob Parrish is among the most athletic and productive defenders in the 2025 NFL Draft. Parrish lit the NFL Combine on fire by finishing top four among cornerbacks in the 40-yard dash (4.35) and vertical jump (37.5 inches). His pre-draft stock is rising as a result.
Parrish recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network. Parrish discussed his success at Kansas State, surprising scouts at the NFL Combine, his upcoming pre-draft visits, playing man and zone coverage, and more.
JM: You recorded 94 tackles, 21 pass breakups, and five interceptions across your final two seasons at Kansas State. Talk to me about showing that growth in 2023 and 2024 after playing a rotational role as a true freshman in 2022.
Jacob Parrish: I would say preparation kept me going. I took my preparation for the game to the next level. I watched a lot of film and broke it down. I became better at picking up on tendencies. It just allowed me to take that next step.
JM: You carried that momentum built to the NFL Combine. You ran the fourth-fastest 40 along corners (4.35) and leaped the third-highest vertical (37.5 inches) and broad jumps (10-foot-9). I imagine you were very satisfied with the performance.
Jacob Parrish: Yeah, I was. I did feel like I could have ran a little faster in the 40 though. I’ll take a 4.35 though (laughs). It was pretty fast.
JM: It sure was! Do you think you surprised scouts with your athleticism, or were they expecting you to test as well as you did?
Jacob Parrish: To be honest with you, I’ve heard all kinds of feedback on that. I had been hearing reviews about my athleticism that were all over the map. I heard I was supposed to run a 4.5. I didn’t get that memo (laughs). I guess some people didn’t think I was athletic.
I definitely put my name on the map by showcasing my athleticism.
JM: You did just that! You mainly played boundary corner at Kansas State, but you also played nickel at the Senior Bowl. Do you see that being your more natural fit at the next level? You have the change of direction for it.
Jacob Parrish: I played some nickel at Kansas State as well, mostly just on third downs. I’m willing to play any position on the field. I just wanna be on the field. Nickel, boundary corner, it doesn’t matter to me. I’m willing to do whatever it takes. I’m comfortable playing nickel.
I pick up things quickly. I could totally play the nickel at the next level.
JM: Do you prefer to play man or zone coverage? I feel like you're comfortable in both, but you're especially sticky and physical in press-man coverage.
Jacob Parrish: I feel like I understand zone coverage at a high level. I’m very confident in man coverage though. That’s something I take pride in, especially press-man. We played a lot of man at Kansas State. I’m always practicing and working on the techniques. I put a lot of effort into playing press-man. I absolutely love playing press-man coverage.
JM: I'll put you in a fun scenario then. Say it's 3rd-and-long with the game on the line. Would you rather be manned up on the best receiver, or playing zone with a chance to break on the ball near the sticks? I think I know your answer (laughs).
Jacob Parrish: Shoot, let’s man up (laughs). Let’s send a bunch of pressure. Put me on their best guy. I like my odds. I welcome that challenge.
JM: I love that. Instincts are also a big part of your game. That's where your 21 pass breakups and five interceptions come from, your instincts in zone.
Jacob Parrish: They come in zone coverage and they arrive in bunches. I love diagnosing the action on film. I trust what I see on film. Trusting my instincts led to ball production for me. I feel like I do a pretty good job in that department. It led to some interceptions and PBUs.
JM: It sure did. Did you have any formal interviews at the NFL Combine, and do you have any pre-draft visits coming up?
Jacob Parrish: I met with the San Francisco 49ers and Atlanta Falcons formally at the NFL Combine. I have some pre-draft visits with the New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
JM: There’s a lot of interest in you and it’s easy to see why. We've appreciated your time today. What's Jacob Parrish going to offer an NFL defense at the next level?
Jacob Parrish: I’m going to be a hardworking, humble dude at the next level. I love football. It’s always taken priority in my life. I love this game to death. You're getting a hardworking, humble man.
