Northeastern fans will remember Cory Parks, a senior wide receiver, as an explosive threat who continually overmatched defenders at Parsons Field. But if it were up to him, his attitude in the locker room would be remembered first and foremost.

“I felt that I was a great team player, somebody that you would be proud to say is your teammate and that’s all I would rather be,” Parks said. “I wouldn’t want to be seen as a great wide receiver. I want people to say my name and think that he cared about his teammates and his team.”

Parks expressed his feelings through excellent play on the field, finishing his Husky career ranked second all-time in receptions (206), receiving yards (3,441) and touchdown receptions (34). Parks also finished third in total touchdowns (35) and fifth in overall scoring (192).

The former captain and primary receiving target said his freshman season, when the Huskies were Atlantic-10 champions, has a special place in his memory.

“The whole thing – coming in and being part of the team and making a huge impact and being part of Northeastern football – was great,” Parks said. “Being a part of a group of guys who were so dedicated to winning the Atlantic-10, it was amazing for me.”

Friends and family were equally amazed by Parks, who performed his best while playing in front of those who mattered the most to him. Parks remembers his best games were in front of his mother, who flew in to watch him play from their home in Miami.

“One game I would remember was my sophomore year against Albany [a 51-0 win on Sept. 6, 2003] and my Mom was there and I got 246 yards receiving, which is a school record,” Parks said. “Another time was when I caught the game-winning touchdown against Harvard [a 17-14 win on Oct. 19, 2002]. It was the first time we beat them, and it saved our season. My mother was there and it was her birthday, too.”

Four years after that fall afternoon at Harvard, Parks holds fond memories of Huntington Avenue and what he learned during his time as a Husky.

“Any advice I would give would be to live it up,” Parks said. “I felt great my entire four years and just had fun during the whole time. Who knows what will happen next if I play football again? I would tell younger players to just live the dream.”