Smoky Bears' Parker Newman Commits To Duke

Sevier County Smoky Bears rising senior TE Parker Newman committed to play his collegiate football for the Duke Blue Devils, he announced in a recent social media post, after committing to the Blue Devils during his official visit just over a week ago.

"My fun fact is I'm committing to Duke right now." Newman said during his introductory time while on campus in Raleigh, leaving the room in an celebratory mood with screams and cheers heard throughout the facility.

Many may be surprised by the move considering Newman held offers from school's such as Ohio State, Tennessee, Alabama, Texas A&M, Iowa, Wisconsin, & Penn State just to name a few but the Blue Devils held out as his school of choice after meeting with the position coach and seeing just how much the team had in common with Sevier County.

"Trust and making genuine connections is a big thing." Newman shared in an interview with SCSR during an interview at the beginning of the month, about what he's looking for in a school.

Newman will try and help Sevier County reach their 3rd straight TSSAA 5A State Title game in December, when they kick off their 2026 campaign on Saturday, August, 22nd when the Smoky Bears travel to Carson Newman to take on the Farragut Admirals.

He reeled in 78 passes for 1,059 yards, with 10 touchdowns in his junior year. He also contributed 117 tackles, 3 sacks, 8 pass breakups, 4 interceptions, while returning 2 of the INT's for touchdowns.