Friday was special for KJ Parker. The Class of 2024 receiver/defensive back picked up an Iowa scholarship offer, his first one from an FBS program.

“Getting my first offer was amazing,” Parker told HF. “It felt too good to be true. An opportunity like this one is special. It’s such a rush.”

Parker (5-10, 160) can gain more information about the Hawkeyes from one of his assistant coaches at Elmhurst (IL) IC Catholic Prep. Matt Bowen played safety at Iowa in the late 1990s.

“Coach Bowen has told me many great things about Iowa. He speaks highly of the college,” Parker said.

Parker earned first-team all-state honors and was the Metro Suburban Conference Player of the Year as a sophomore this fall. He caught 32 passes for 424 yards and four touchdowns. As a defensive back, he recorded 50 tackles, eight interceptions and 16 pass breakups. He forced three fumbles and scored twice on defense.

“I’m a selfish team player. I play for the team, but at the end of the day you have to tell yourself if it comes down to making the play you’re going to have to be the one who makes the play. Confidence is everything. You have to have the mentality that no one is better than you,” he said.

Parker looks forward to learning more about the Hawkeyes, although something already has caught his eye.

“I love the environment of Iowa. It’s an amazing atmosphere,” he said.

He’s planning on getting a look at campus

“I will most likely visit Iowa, hopefully,” he said.

Academics will play a big part in his recruiting process.

“I want to study Mechanical Engineering in college,” he said.