CLEMSON – After a record setting win against Appalachian State, 22nd-ranked Clemson heads into the first of two bye weeks in the 2024 season.

Offensive lineman Walker Parks spoke with the media earlier this week following Saturday’s win over the Mountaineers.

–The graduate had many doubts on whether he would ever be able to step foot on the football field again at Memorial Stadium. He got emotional when speaking to the media about his battle with the injury. He said, “seeing that it was almost done before the way that I wanted it to end…realizing how important it is and how fun it is. I love football, I love Clemson, I would play here for 20 years if they would let me.”

–The ankle injury happened around this time in the season last year. After surgery and constant recovery, Parks feels like he is trusting the ankle so far this season. He said, “it held up the first two games and that was the ultimate test for me…no issue so far.”

–The Clemson offensive line has not allowed a sack this season. Parks said, “it’s good, that’s obviously one of the goals that we have as a unit but at the end of the day that it our job, it’s an expectation.” He added, “Really proud of the unit and the way that we work. It is a really good stat, it sounds good on paper, but we’ve got a lot more work to do.”

–With the addition of offensive line coach Matt Luke, Parks was asked what effect he has had on him and on the room as a whole. He said, “he brings a lot of energy, a lot of enthusiasm. It’s been really good. I love Coach Luke, he’s a great man, great coach as well, so I’m honored to play for him.”