Just as Chris Parker has gone from tickling Ivory Fisher-Price to jazz performances on his Yamaha keyboard, wide receiver Saginaw Heritage hopes to do the same when he takes the next step in his football career.

Parker, a 6-foot-3 wide receiver, on Wednesday signed a national NCAA letter of intent to play football for Central Michigan University, the same program his uncle, Brian Pruitt, led to a conference title mid-American by winning All-American honors in 1994.

“I know it’s going to be tough,” Parker said. “I’m from Heritage, I’m one of the best players and I go to CMU, where everyone is as good as you are. I think I’ll still be able to do well, but I know it’s going to take a lot of work.

That doesn’t bother Parker, who learned hard work and discipline by playing three sports in school and taking piano lessons.

Piano lessons began when his mother, Lashay Parker, heard her 2-year-old son Chris type a melody on his Fisher-Price piano. She taught him until the age of 5, then hired a piano teacher.

Parker played Christmas carols for his Kempton Elementary classmates before attending Saginaw Arts & Sciences until eighth grade. He also performed “Old Rugged Cross” at the funeral of his uncle, Richard Williams III, and performed at New Christ Community Church.

Parker is also a hit at Brookdale Saginaw Assisted Life, where “The Christmas Song” is the most requested song. Parker prefers jazz, with “Autumn Leaves” his favorite song to play.

“He’s extremely well-rounded and mature beyond his years,” said Heritage coach Justin Thelen. “Playing the piano and taking lessons probably plays a role in that. He comes from a large family. I have him in class and he’s sitting in the front row.

“While making the jump into Division I football is a huge adjustment for everyone, I think because of his maturity and discipline he will be able to thrive in this environment.”

Due to Covid forfeits and cancellations, Parker has only been able to play five games this season, the last two after Heritage starting quarterback Carter Sullivan was injured. He finished with 33 receptions for 467 yards and two touchdowns, adding 29 tackles and two interceptions as a defensive back.

“He does everything with a purpose,” Thelen said. “He comes to practice with a purpose. He watches the film with a purpose.

“He’s just a dynamic player and a dynamic individual.”

FOLLOWING

Heritage’s Chris Parker takes a break and wins the Hawkins Award

Mount Pleasant’s Anton Ricumstrict and Josh Schell pledge to play Division I football