There’s a calm confidence about Charlie Parks these days, the kind that doesn’t waver, even as one of the biggest weeks of his football career rapidly approaches.
The University of Saskatchewan Huskies defensive lineman is days away from showcasing his skills at the CFL Combine in Edmonton. Still, you wouldn’t know it by the way he carries himself.
“It feels like I started Combine training like a month ago, and it’s already next week,” Parks said with a laugh.
For some, the countdown to a moment like this can feel overwhelming. For Parks, it’s been anything but.
“I feel like it’s moving the same, status quo stuff. Still training just as hard, not trying to push any harder just because it’s close.”
That steady approach has been a theme throughout his journey, one rooted in routine, discipline, and perspective.
Since wrapping up his U SPORTS season, Parks has balanced the grind of Combine prep with student life, something he jokes has been just as demanding.
“Getting terrorized by classes. Lifting, eating, just hanging out.”
But beneath the humour is a player who understands exactly what’s in front of him and what it could mean.
“It gets a little bit big when you really sit back and think about it,” Parks admitted. “But I’m just going to go in, be myself. I think being genuine will be the best thing I could do.”
That mindset extends beyond interviews, which are often overlooked yet critical components of the Combine experience.
With guidance from former Huskies who’ve gone through the process, Parks has prepared for everything from answering questions to presenting himself professionally.
While the stage is new, the preparation isn’t.
Parks hasn’t reinvented his offseason; he’s refined it.
“The structure hasn’t really changed very much, but the content of the training has. The Combine is a specific set of skills; your training has to reflect that.”
Working alongside trusted Huskies staff, Parks has focused on showcasing what makes his game effective: speed, intelligence, and explosiveness.
“I’m not the biggest guy. I make a lot of my plays with my speed and my brain.
It’s a style that translates to the collegiate level and one he believes will stand out, especially once the pads come on.
“I think my game really shines through” in on-field sessions, he added.
If there’s one thing Parks keeps coming back to, it’s simplicity.
Don’t make the moment too big. Control what you can. Treat it like any other big game.
“I’m going to prep for it the same way I’d prep for a playoff game. Make sure I get to bed at the right time, eat right, control everything I can.”
That approach also fuels his confidence, not arrogance, but belief.
“I’m here because I earned it,” Parks said. “I earned it because I’m good enough to be here.”
While testing numbers will matter, Parks isn’t fixated on chasing a specific benchmark.
“The only standard I set for myself is better than the last time I did it.”
And when it comes to the on-field portion, the one-on-ones, the team reps, that’s where his excitement really shows.
“Any excuse I get to play more football is a great one. I just love competing.”
Ask Parks if he knows exactly what to expect in Edmonton, and the answer is simple.
“I’m confident.”
That confidence, paired with preparation and perspective, has him in a strong position heading into one of the most important evaluations of his career.
Now, it’s just about going out and proving it one rep at a time.
