Florida lands 2026 commitment from Tampa defensive back
By Rolando Rosa
Published:
Florida has landed a Class of 2026 commitment from an in-state defensive back.
Three-star Tampa safety Eric Parks announced his commitment to Florida via social media on Thursday. The 6-foot, 190-pound Parks was previously committed to Florida Atlantic before flipping to Florida. Parks is reportedly joining the Gators as a preferred walk-on, according to On3.
Parks is regarded by the 247Sports Composite as the No. 147 recruit from Florida and the nation’s No. 123 safety.
Parks is an ex-teammate of current Florida wide receiver Dallas Wilson.
In 2024 as a junior, Parks recorded 39 tackles, 8 tackles for loss, 3 pass breakups and an interception en route to helping Tampa Bay Tech qualify for the regional finals. In 2023, Parks notched 32 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, an interception, and fumble recovery as a sophomore.
Florida is coming off a 4-8 record during the 2025 season. Florida fired head coach Billy Napier on Oct. 19, who served in that role from 2022-2025. Billy Gonzales was the interim head coach the remainder of the season.
Florida hired former Tulane head coach Jon Sumrall to fill the vacancy on Nov. 30. Florida will begin the Sumrall era with a home contest against Florida Atlantic on Sept. 5.
