Courtesy of Walton High School

Walton advanced to the Class AAAAA state championship game in 2011 on the strength of an opportunistic defense, a powerful running game and a quarterback who quietly put together a strong junior year. Parker McLeod drew the eyes and ears of recruiting services after Louisville came through with an offer last June, but the 6-foot-3 signal-caller has been a hot commodity of late, racking up offers and accolades as he prepares for the spring practice before his senior year.

Boston College recently came forth with an offer and Oklahoma State has also offered the pro-style prospect. Alabama has also listed him as one of three quarterbacks head coach Nick Saban will target for National Signing Day 2013.

“It was really exciting,” said McLeod of getting the recent offer from Oklahoma State. “You are talking about a team that was just playing in the Fiesta Bowl and in the discussion of playing for a national championship.”

Oklahoma State is one of a few schools that will get a visit from McLeod this spring and summer. McLeod said he plans on visiting Boston College, Oklahoma State and Louisville, all who have offered, as well as Tennessee, Vanderbilt, Alabama and Virginia.

“I’d like to try and have a decision made before my senior year,” said McLeod. He also admitted that, once he commits, he will try and recruit current teammates Tyren Jones and Brandon Kublanow as well as other prospects to his choice.

He noted in an interview with Score that his decision will come down to a combination of elements that go into any college choice. McLeod said that academics will weigh in as will the campuses. “Style of offense will be pretty important too and the coaching staff.”

The Walton quarterback has strong footwork and impressive arm strength, which he believed helped him earn his first scholarship offer from Louisville. McLeod really started opening eyes with a strong performance at the recent AT&T Georgia Junior Bowl, a showcase that highlights the top rising seniors on the high school gridiron. McLeod went under center for the West squad, finishing 5-for-9 passing for 71 yards while also rushing for 16 yards on three carries. The all-star gathering can be difficult for some quarterbacks as they try and find a rhythm with strange receivers, but experts from 247Sports and Scout were impressed with McLeod.

McLeod quarterbacked his team to 14 straight wins to start the 2011 season. With a dominating blocker in front of him and an explosive running back flanking him, look for bigger numbers and even more offers in 2012.