Breaking News: Aaryn “AJ” Parks, a veteran offensive lineman, has officially entered the NCAA transfer portal, marking the end of his time at South Carolina. The news was first reported by On3’s Pete Nakos earlier today.
Parks originally joined the Gamecocks last offseason after transferring from the Oklahoma Sooners. While at Oklahoma, Parks worked alongside Shane Beamer, the current head coach at South Carolina, who had previously been an assistant under Lincoln Riley.
A redshirt senior offensive tackle, Parks was expected to contribute to the two-deep rotation under offensive line coach Lonnie Teasley, but an unfortunate injury forced him to miss the entirety of the 2024 season. If granted a medical redshirt, the former 4-star prospect could have up to two more years of eligibility remaining at his next destination.
Despite the transfer portal window being closed, graduate students like Parks are still able to enter the portal at any time.
South Carolina Transfer Portal Resources:
Aaryn “AJ” Parks – South Carolina Bio (via GamecocksOnline)
Position: Offensive Lineman
Transferred: From Oklahoma, where he spent four years as a backup.
Games Played: Appeared in 8 games for the Sooners.
Eligibility: Two years remaining.
2023 (Redshirt Junior)
Parks played in three games as a reserve offensive lineman, with appearances against Arkansas State, at Tulsa, and against West Virginia.
2022 (Redshirt Sophomore)
In a backup role, Parks played in five games at tackle, including matchups against UTEP, Kent State, at Iowa State, against Baylor, and in the Cheez-It Bowl against Florida State.
2021 (Redshirt Freshman)
Parks was a reserve but did not see any game action.
2020 (Freshman)
After redshirting, Parks did not see the field during his first season at Oklahoma.
High School
Parks graduated from National Christian Academy in Fort Washington, Md. He was highly ranked, finishing as the No. 69 recruit in the country by Rivals and the No. 362 recruit according to 247Sports. He was also recognized as the No. 9 offensive tackle in the 2020 class by Rivals and the No. 39 tackle by ESPN. Additionally, he was ranked the No. 12 offensive guard by 247Sports and the No. 6 prospect in Maryland by Rivals.
Personal
Born on April 1, 2001, Aaryn J. Parks is currently majoring in services management.
Stay tuned for more updates on where the talented offensive lineman will head next.
