Ex-UNC signee OL Da’Ron Parks Flips to Marshall

By Owen James, Training Coordinator

Aug. 6, 2026

HUNTINGTON, W. Va. (WMUL-FM) — A top-ranked football recruit is headed to Marshall after originally signing with a Power Four program.

Da’Ron Parks, a 6-foot-5, 310-pound interior offensive lineman, signed with the Thundering Herd as announced on Monday.

Highly regarded for his size and athleticism, Parks earned offers from dozens of Division I programs including Alabama, Georgia, Oregon, and Ohio State.

Parks flipped his verbal commitment from Florida State to North Carolina in December, officially signing with the Tar Heels. However, he never enrolled in Chapel Hill, N.C., instead joining Marshall.

“He reached out,” Tony Gibson, head coach, said. “It was exciting for us to be able to get him and sign him, and due to injury, he won’t be able to participate this fall, but we’ll be here doing everything, and I look forward to getting him back in full action in January. But, he’s here; got his physical this morning, will be in the first team meeting here. So, we’re ready to roll.”

Parks is listed as an 88-rated three-star recruit, according to 247Sports. The Nitro, W.Va., native was ranked the No. 2 overall prospect in the state and No. 47 nationally among interior offensive linemen.