The Tar Heels are making a habit of flipping top talent, and their latest move adds another big piece to the 2026 puzzle.
On Wednesday, North Carolina landed a commitment from four-star interior offensive lineman Da’Ron Parks - a significant flip from Florida State. Parks had been committed to the Seminoles, but after taking an official visit to Chapel Hill for the Tar Heels’ matchup with Duke, things shifted quickly. Just days later, he decommitted from FSU, and now he's headed to UNC.
Parks, ranked No. 434 overall and No. 34 among interior offensive linemen in the 2026 class, is a physical presence in the trenches. He’s the cornerstone of a Nitro High School offensive line that’s been quietly dominant this season, helping generate over 165 rushing yards and more than 250 passing yards per game. That kind of balance doesn’t happen without a line that can move bodies - and Parks is at the center of it.
At 6-foot-4 and with a powerful frame, Parks brings versatility and toughness to the interior. His game is built on leverage, footwork, and a motor that doesn’t quit - traits that stand out on tape and make him a strong fit for UNC’s offensive scheme. He’s the kind of lineman who finishes blocks with purpose and sets the tone in the run game, but he’s also shown the ability to hold his ground in pass protection.
Before settling in at Nitro High in West Virginia, Parks had stints at Cardinal Mooney High School in Florida and Hurricane High School, also in West Virginia. That journey’s shaped a player with resilience and adaptability - both valuable traits as he prepares to make the jump to the college level.
He’ll cap off his high school career this Saturday in the WVSSAC 3A state championship game, where he’ll have one more chance to showcase his skills before heading to Chapel Hill.
For North Carolina, this is more than just a flip - it’s a statement. The Tar Heels are building momentum in the 2026 cycle, and Parks gives them a high-upside interior lineman who can anchor the future of their offensive front.