For the last two years, graduate student Quarterback Parker Navarro has been one of the faces of Ohio football. The veteran has spent the last four years of his career as a Bobcat after starting his college career at the University of Central Florida.
So far this season, Navarro has thrown for 1471 yards and nine touchdowns while rushing for 441 yards and four touchdowns as a team captain.
The Post sat down with Navarro to discuss everything from the Timothee Chalamet shoutout, his faith and his golf game.
TP: You’re an Arizona kid, grew up in Tempe, tell me about Tempe and what it was like growing up in Arizona?
Navarro: It was awesome. I really love Arizona. (I) love the desert, love the heat. You know, it's definitely different being in Athens, different landscape and the cold. But I loved growing up there. I think I'm a fifth-generation Arizonan.
TP: That was my next question, what was it like coming from Arizona and Florida to Ohio as far as weather and culture?
Navarro: It was a lot different. Orlando's a big city, and Tempe is right outside of Phoenix, which is a big city. So being here in Athens, a little small town with seasons and cold was a lot different.
TP: I know you’re a big golfer. When did that hobby start, and what is it about golf you enjoy so much?
Navarro: My passion for golf came while I was here. I got the golf pass from the OU course, my buddy Sam Wiglusz, he's the one that got me into it… I love the mental challenge.
TP: Do you know what your handicap is at the moment?
Navarro: I want to say if I played a few times, I think it'd be like a 12-13.
TP: I need to ask you about the College Gameday Timothee Chalamet moment. What was your reaction when you watched that clip, and what was the reaction from people you know?
Navarro: I got a lot of texts after that. I think it was definitely a funny thing. Everybody was laughing about it, but yeah, a lot of people back home saw it so that was cool. Going back after that game was funny.
TP: Since that moment, I feel like you've elevated to sort of a celebrity here on campus. I don't know if you'd agree with that or not, but I was just wanting to know if you've noticed a change this year from last year. Do you get recognized a lot if you're walking around campus or walking around Court Street?
Navarro: Sometimes I do (get recognized), it’s cool. My dad took a few pictures with people wearing Navarro jerseys, and that's pretty cool. It means a lot to me. It's super special. And, you know, I want to give people something to root for.
TP: Speaking of Athens, you have been here for four years now. What are some places and hidden gems you enjoy here?
Navarro: Star of India, I think, is a hidden gem. I don’t know if it’s even hidden, but it’s really good, and Mr. Hibachi, I don’t know if that’s hidden, but I go there all the time.
TP: I know you are very faith-centered and a devout Christian. How does your faith help you on and off the field?
Navarro: My faith grounds me, and it's the most important thing in my life. I think when you have that foundation, everything else falls into perspective. I'd say it just helps me stay rooted, stay grounded and reminds me who I am.
TP: You decided to come back here for your final year. What were some of the biggest factors in coming back here?
Navarro: How special last year was, and then obviously the coaches. Coach (Brian Smith), coach (Scott Isphording), they're just so familiar with my game and how I play and I think the offense is perfect for me. It was kind of a no-brainer, and it made so much sense.
TP: If you had to bring two teammates with you to survive a zombie apocalypse, who would they be?
Navarro: I’ll throw out three. I’ll go Colton Grover, Josh Waite and Miles Cremascoli.
TP: If you could bring three things with you on a deserted island, what would you bring?
Navarro: Probably a fire starter number one and probably a water filter of some sorts, that would be important. Then maybe like an extensive first aid kit.
TP: Lastly, what are your goals after this season is over? Is it continuing with football, or is there something else you had in mind or want to pursue?
Navarro: I think I’ll see where I’m at the end of the year with football, and if that’s something I can pursue, that dream, then maybe that’s something I’ll want to pursue. If not, I’ll likely move back to Arizona at this point and enter the workforce.
TP: Is there something in the workforce you want to do?
Navarro: Probably medical device sales, that’s an avenue I’d be interested in going into.
