Zach Arnett calls QB signee Chris Parson 'first class'

New Mississippi State head coach Zach Arnett took over in difficult circumstances. Previous head coach, Mike Leach, passed away unexpectedly. This left Arnett, who had previously been the team’s defensive coordinator to be the new head coach.

Now, with his first signing day as head coach behind him, Zach Arnett is happy to add players, like Chris Parson, who Arnett says is a great person.

“Chris is a tremendous young man,” Zach Arnett said.

In particular, Zach Arnett praised how Chris Parson handled signing day and the period following Mike Leach’s death.

“Tremendous family. He’s been absolutely first class throughout this entire recruiting process,” Zach Arnett explained. “And in these last 10 days, has gone above and beyond. He was the first letter that we got in this morning and so, that type of leadership, that drive you love to see from your quarterback. You know your leader of the future — you’re in good hands when you sign a young man like that. Him and his family have been tremendous to work with and communicate with over this process.”

Chris Parson is a four-star recruit according to the On3 Consensus ratings, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He was the 22nd-ranked quarterback and 373rd player overall in the Class of 2023.

Zach Arnett praised Mike Leach

In three seasons working under Mike Leach, Zach Arnett praised Mike Leach and everything that he’s learned from him.

“It’s been a unique week, to say the least. I wish I had Coach Leach’s vocabulary but I haven’t quite figured out the quite adjective to describe it. Obviously, tragic loss of a tremendous man. When it comes to football, should be a first-ballot Hall of Famer,” Zach Arnett said.

“You never know how precious time is but these three short years under Coach Leach, there’s a wealth of knowledge that has been passed on to all of us coaches. And I’m leaning on heavily right now… It hits home with me with how blessed I have been in my professional career. I’m leaning heavily on (his) knowledge and wisdom.”

On3’s Griffin McVeigh contributed to this article.