Music: {allcanada} STAMPEDERS' PARKER CROSSES MCMAHON FOR PRO FOOTBALL DEBUT

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

{allcanada} STAMPEDERS' PARKER CROSSES MCMAHON FOR PRO FOOTBALL DEBUT

CALGARY -- Geographically, Anthony Parker hasn't travelled far from his university football career to the CFL. Mentally, it's felt like a longer journey.

The former University of Calgary Dinos receiver will play his first professional game as a Calgary Stampeder when the B.C. Lions come to town Wednesday for a pre-season game (TSN2, 9 p.m. ET).

The son of former Stampeder running back Anthony Parker Sr., and nephew of former Stamp defensive lineman Andy Jonassen acknowledges while his playing environment hasn't changed a lot, his mindset has.

"I've gone from one end of the stadium to the other, literally, because our locker room was over there before and now I'm on this side," Parker said Tuesday. "The feel is the same, the game prep is the same. I'm still going to go home and sleep in my bed and all that kind of stuff. But mentally it's a little bit different. It's my first pro game. Obviously I'm very excited about that."

The Stampeders traded up in the Canadian college draft to land Parker with the No. 3 pick. Parker was twice a Canada West all-star with the Dinos. The 21-year-old attended high school in Okotoks just south of Calgary and played four seasons for the Dinos.

Parker's pro debut will be up against Game 7 of the Stanley Cup final between the Vancouver Canucks and the Boston Bruins. A cool and cloudy weather forecast for Wednesday night could also keep people away from McMahon Stadium and at home watching the hockey game.

"We were talking about it a little bit yesterday. We figured that's what was going to happen, but it's something we can't really let take our focus away," Parker said. "We're getting ready for a season and this being the first step in that season, we've got to come out and perform.

"Whether there's a lot of people here or not, based on that game, who is to say? I'm sure the weather is going to cause us a little trouble too, but we're going to come out and do the best we can and hopefully come out with a win."

Wednesday's game is the first of two pre-season contests for the Stamps. Calgary plays in Edmonton on June 24 before opening the regular season July 1 at home versus Toronto.

Parker's last game at McMahon Stadium was the Utech Bowl, in which the Dinos downed St. Mary's 35-8 to advance to the Vanier Cup. Parker had seven catches for 117 yards and a touchdown.

Calgary lost 29-2 to Laval in the CIS championship game. Parker struggled in Quebec City with three dropped passes and a fumble.

"I'm still upset about it," Parker said. "As much as we try and let things go, we never really do forget. It's tough to think about that game still, but at the same time I'm really excited to be moving forward and have the opportunity to prove myself again on a bigger stage."

The six-foot, 210-pounder impressed at the CFL's annual evaluation camp this spring. He had the fastest 40-yard dash of all receivers in 4.54 seconds. Parker was ranked the No. 2 prospect behind Ottawa offensive lineman Scott Mitchell heading into the Canadian college draft.

The Stampeders and Lions swapped three draft picks in a deal that allowed Calgary to move from sixth to third with their first pick.

Parker feels he's improved by "leaps and bounds" since the first day of training camp. With veteran receiver Arjei Franklin out of Wednesday's lineup with a groin injury, Parker will be given ample opportunity to showcase his talent.

"The biggest adjustment is the time commitment and then the speed of the game is a lot different," Parker said. "We did a lot of work at the U of C, putting in 35-hour weeks for football and here it's a little bit more than that.

"Everybody is as good or better than you are and that's what makes the game so challenging."

Once the veterans get a few reps versus B.C., head coach and GM John Hufnagel intends to deploy the newcomers to find out what they can do under game pressure. He intends to play all four of his quarterbacks, including Canadian Brad Sinopoli.

Parker will think of his father and uncle when he pulls the galloping horse jersey over his head for Wednesday's game.

"It's something I've thought about and it's pretty cool to be able to wear the same pro jersey that both my uncle and my dad wore," he said.