He is built like a running back — 6 feet, 220 pounds — and runs a 4.5 40-yard dash that pales in comparison to the in-game speed he has demonstrated on Friday nights the last four falls.

As often as he is likely to toss an 83-yard touchdown, North Kansas City High’s David Parker is equally likely to shift, dodge and dash his way to paydirt — leaving the field behind him.

He could be Kansas’ quarterback of the future. He damn well should be.

Rated the sixth-best high school football player in the Kansas City area by Jeremy Crabtree of Rivals.com, Parker is that versatile, dynamic signal caller tailor-made for college football. However, just one college campus will have this weapon of mass production next fall.

Army, Air Force, Navy and Wyoming have bitten thus far, but Kansas, Missouri, Kansas State and Texas Christian remain on Parker’s radar.

With Todd Reesing’s farewell tour kicking off September 2009, there is no better time for Kansas’ next great quarterback to learn from its current legend. Did I mention there is essentially zero risk with this kid?

None. No risk. How often does the opportunity arise to land a player as athletically gifted as Parker is and who has sterling character to boot? No need to work on his leadership skills. Parker needs no conduct symposium. He doesn’t need schooling on how to not spit liquor in a woman’s face at a nightclub or avoid sketchy situations.

See, when Parker isn’t scoring six touchdowns in a single game, he is involved with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Future Business Leaders of America, DECA and presides over a multicultural peace group called Reach Out.

“My extracurricular activities make me who I am,” Parker said. “I want to help out and use my influence to make a difference at school and use my faith, beliefs and honor to set an example and help with the community.”

Parker’s decision to get involved with those activities has translated to even stronger leadership skills on the football field – where he has been able to hone those skills since his first varsity start as a freshman.

So what would Parker look like in Crimson and Blue?

“I love the teamwork there and the coaches’ love for the players,” Parker said. “They are a team in everything that they do. It is a great school.”

You’ve got to believe that the Jayhawks’ spread offense would have Parker licking his chops. However, Reesing will be closing the books on a stellar career during Parker’s presumed freshman year. Wouldn’t someone as motivated as Parker expect to start right away?

“It’d be an honor to play behind (Reesing) and would be a great situation that would make me better,” Parker said. “You’ve got to follow before you lead.”

Okay, well what about Kale Pick, who will have had the opportunity to get familiar with the offense for five semesters before the start of the 2010 season? Or incoming freshman Jordan Webb — who has verbally committed to Kansas?

That’s all right, Parker says, he’d love to contribute at wide receiver and tailback while he waits for the chance to line up under center. Furthermore, if and when Parker starts as quarterback, the opportunities for options or other trick plays are endless.

Parker said he was not yet close to settling on a school but hoped to make his decision by February. It is a big decision for Parker. One that he says is based on faith, the best fit for his talents and the best academic situation.

Mark Mangino and Co.: It is not too late. What you have here is a no-risk investment, with benefits that will spill over into all sectors on campus.

Simply put, David Parker embodies all that we’ve come to expect out of Jayhawk athletes. Don’t squander an opportunity to add him to the list of model student athletes who have made their mark here — both on and off the field.

Don’t make me tell you “I told you so” if and when Parker runs and passes all over you in 2009-2012 — either as a rival, in a non-conference game or in a crushing bowl loss. I won’t mince words.

Furthermore, please don’t make me tell you “I told you so” when Parker comes to town to deliver a leadership seminar, initiates steps towards multicultural peace and diversity or does something further to make a true difference to people of all walks of life — regardless of if they tailgate or not.

— - Edited by Scott Toland