In his first season at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Parker was very effective coming out of the bullpen for the Ragin’ Cajuns. Going into the Sun Belt Conference tournament Parker had held opponents to a .163 batting average, which was the lowest on a pitching staff that led the conference in most pitching stats in 2010.

Prior to pitching at UL Lafayette, Parker spent two seasons at Angelina College in Lufki, Texas. He made eight appearances as a reliever for the Roadrunners in 2008 and compiled a 1-0 record in 15 1/3 innings with 12 strikeouts.

Parker lettered in baseball, basketball and football at Splendora High School. He was named Newcomer of the Year in baseball as a freshman. He was an all-district selection his sophomore through senior seasons. Parker was district MVP and an all-state honorable mention as a senior. He set school record for stolen bases in a season with 40.