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About Oregon daily emerald. (Eugene, Or.) 1920-2012 | View Entire Issue (Nov. 1, 2002)
Marinating Sarnie Steak Junior wide receiver Sarnie Parker leads the team in receptions, but he says he has more to take in Adam Jude Senior Sports Reporter If Samie Parker lived in the wild kingdom, you’d expect him to be some kind of fast animal. Perhaps a cheetah or a leopard. Something that could outrun just about everything. But the way Parker’s roommate, tight end George Wrighster, ex plains it, the Oregon wide receiver sounds like something you’d find at a butcher’s shop. Like a chicken or, gulp, a fat cow. Wrighster’s reasoning? Parker likes to marinate. “He’s just laying in bed marinating like a big piece of meat, soaking up all the juices,” Wrighster said. The secret has been revealed. If you want to be fast — not just fast, su per fast —- marinate. Sleep. Save your energy. Keep your legs fresh. Only rise for a game day or a quick race. OK, so it’s not quite that simple. “I’m just a laid-back type of guy,” Parker said. “I don’t like going out there and being all wild and getting overexcited or anything like that. Some people get overexcited and get tired. I just like to relax and let things come to me.” And then, like a wild beast eyeing its dinner, attack the prey. That, in a nutshell, seems to be Parker’s game plan against opposing defensive backs. At 5-foot-10,177 pounds, the jun ior from Long Beach, Calif., doesn’t look the part of an intimidating foot ball player. But if he’s overlooked, even for a second, he’ll be gone. Eighty yards. Touchdown. It’s happened before, most notably on a 79-yard touchdown reception in the Fiesta Bowl. It will happen again. “I want to make acrobatic plays,” Parker said. “I want to make plays that energize the team and myself.” With fellow starting receiver Keenan Howry slowed by injuries at the beginning of the season, Parker has been first-year quarterback Ja son Fife’s main target. And with a team-high 38 receptions, Parker has been the most consistent receiver. Parker caught a touchdown pass in each of the first four games this season, including a nine-catch, 161 yard performance against Fresno Jeremy Forrest Emerald Sarnie Parker has been Oregon's most productive receiver this season. He started the 2002 campaign with touchdown catches in each of the first four games. State on Sept. 7, when he took a 20 yard Fife pass and ran past two de fenders for a 70-yard score. “I’ve been saying all year that we have an awesome receiving corps,” Fife said. “I mean, Sarnie’s the guy that can run by people, Keenan’s the guy that will make plays when you need to and Jason Willis is kind of the unsung hero that makes the third-down conversion when you least expect it. “The big thing that distinguishes all of them is that they all play with heart.” Besides his easy-going manner, the big thing that separates Parker is his breakaway speed. So how fast is Parker? He and backup tailback Allan Amundson are clearly the fastest Ducks, but Parker gives his elder a bit more credit. “I think I’d be a close call be tween me and Allan. I’d give Allan Turn to Parker, page 10B Ice Cream and Coffee WEEKLY SPEC Tuesday- Hot Fudge Friday- Euphoria Ult Chocolate Si 19th & Agate St. Open Daily 12-1 lP.M. TOSTITOS® FIESTA BOWLM 2 0 0 2 25 x 12 inch Commemorative Print Get this framed print taken by Eric Evans exclusively at Deck the Walls in VRC. Ask about all of our other UO artwork. *Quantities are limited. Sove 25% on custom framing through the month of October *DECI^rWALLS Art. Framing and People Who Know 534 Valley River Center 541-683-8040 015103 mm mm 199 E. 5th Ave *(541)484-1334 Sushi on the conveyor Variety of sushi, sashimi, and chef specials starting at $1.50 • Lunch special: • Box • Tempura • Teriyaki • Udon • Yakisoba • Katsu • Variety of sea food salad • To go available • and more Lunch Mon-Fri 11:30 - 2:30 Dinner Mon-Sat 5:00-10:00 Sunday Ciosed Furniture Household items Mattresses You won’t find lower prices! 2065 W. 7th Ave., Eugene • 343-3341 346 Main 5t., Springfield • 747-2665 Auto Repairs and Convenience Store Call 338-4641 and make an appointment today! David Maggard wants your business! 2091 Franklin Blvd. (across from Joe Romania)
