Steven Parker's Trailblazing Grandfather Sooner Fans Never Knew

OU nickel back Steven Parker has a chance to go down as one of the more memorable players in the Bob Stoops Era. Steven’s grandfather Charlie Parker was a trailblazer at Oklahoma, and someone who was oh so close to going down in the history books as one of the most significant athletes in OU and NCAA history. Charlie Parker was one of three Dunjee High School football players to walk on Bud Wilkinson’s 1955 Oklahoma team that would go on to win the national championship.

But an injury prevented Charlie Parker from making Bud’s title team, and thus, making history as the athlete to break the color barrier at Oklahoma. The following season in 1956 Prentice Gautt officially broke the color barrier. Before he passed away, I had the pleasure of knowing Prentice some thirty years and throughout his tenure as Associate Commissioner of the Big 12 Conference. Like thousands, I can attest that Prentice Gautt was indeed nothing but class. Soft-spoken, morally sound, and gifted athletically. Prentice was of impeccable character.

As you will hear in the attached one-on-one with Charlie Parker’s grandson Steven, the Dunjee star was a special talent who had a big future in his grasp before injury cut short what would have been an historic career. I personally believe Steven Parker has a terrific future at Oklahoma in front of him. After struggling at times as a starting safety as a true freshman, the Jenks product and son of former OSU player Steven Parker, has come on like gangbusters. His knowledge of the position and the experience gained in games as a freshman, and in winter, spring and summer workouts, has the 6-foot 200 pounder confidently roaming the secondary like a man on a mission.   

Thanks for checking in and I hope you enjoy our visit. If you’ve not seen our Sooner Spotlight feature on Steven, it’s on News9.com as well. So look it up, and click. You’ll be glad you did!