Roof nabs 12th recruit for 2007

Duke added its 12th member of the class of 2011 earlier this week, as Danny Parker verbally committed to enroll at the University next fall.

The tight end-defensive end from Our Lady Good Counsel High School in Wheaton, Md., originally played basketball for the school and has only one season of football experience under his belt.

"He was a late riser," said Bob Lichtenfels, scout.com's Regional Manager for East Football Recruiting. "He was a basketball guy who blossomed late as a football player. He's a real physical and athletic kid."

Parker, who is projected to play on the offensive side of the ball for the Blue Devils, cited Duke's early interest in him as a major reason for his decision.

"Duke had been showing me love from the very start of the process," Parker told to TheDevilsDen.com. "They have been there from day one and the situation there is really something I'm interested in. I can go to Duke, get a degree that will be the best possible and have a chance to play really early in my career."

Lichtenfels went on to say that partly because of his lack of playing experience, Parker remains an undeveloped talent with great potential for the Blue Devils.

"There's some risk involved with the kid because he's so raw," Lichtenfels said. "But for a program like Duke who needs a foundation, the sky could be the limit for him."

Parker stands 6-foot-5 and weighs 225 pounds. He has been clocked in the 40-yard dash at 4.6 seconds, which is an impressive mark for a player his size.