Stanford tight end Colby Parkinson announced on Friday his decision to forego his senior season and enter the 2020 NFL Draft. Parkinson released this statement about his decision:
"I want to thank Stanford and all of my coaches for allowing me the opportunity to attend the best university in the world, while also playing for an amazing football program. I want to thank my coaches: Shaw, Turner, Alamar, Pritchard, BK and Carroll for pouring into my life these last three years. I would also like to thank the amazing support staff at Stanford. Most importantly, I would like to thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for his many blessings in my life.
To my brothers and teammates, I am so thankful for the bonds I have made with each of you and I am going to miss going to work with you guys everyday more than anything. I also want to thank my family for all of their constant love and support.
WIth that being said, I would like to announce that I am declaring for the 2020 NFL Draft. This decision was not an easy one, but after lots of thought and prayer with my family and loved ones, I believe this to be the best decision for me. I have been dreaming of playing in the NFL since I started playing football in the first grade and I could not be more excited to begin this new chapter."
Parkinson played in all 39 games during his Cardinal career, making 21 starts including all 12 in 2019. He finishes his career with 87 catches for 1,171 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns. A 6-foot-7 tight end from Simi Valley, Calif., Parkinson was named a John Mackey Award semifinalist and earned All-Pac-12 second team honors in 2019, when he served the Cardinal as a team captain.