Sooners RB Plans To Turn Pro

Trusting a "gut feeling," Oklahoma tailback De'Mond Parker said Tuesday he will turn pro after this season but left open the slight possibility of a return.

With his mother and 2-year-old daughter at his side, the fourth-year junior said Saturday's game against Texas Tech would be his last in a Sooner uniform.

"There's a lot of pros and cons going into the deal. I've just got to try to weigh my options and try to make a good decision for me and my family," said Parker, the only player in school history to have three 1,000-yard seasons.

He said he has known since early this season that he would be leaving after this year.

"A gut feeling just told me to leave," he said. "Last year, my gut feeling was to go but I stayed. I'm going to go with that gut feeling this year, I guess, try to make that big step to the next level."

But he seemed less than sure of himself at times, at one point saying he was "93 percent" sure he wouldn't be back.

Parker was asked what he would do if he talked with 10 scouts and each one suggested he return to college.

"Re-evaluate and probably announce something at a later date," he said.

Any underclassman who declares for the NFL Draft is allowed to get information from league officials about where they might be drafted. Provided they don't sign with an agent, they can then return to school if they choose.

Parker said he has heard he likely would be picked by about the fourth round.

He gained 1,143 yards last season despite missing three games and parts of two others with an injured stomach muscle. He chose to return to school and has had an up-and-down year. Parker has 1,067 yards, including two 200-yard games, but three times he has gained fewer than 30 yards.

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