Wartburg football All-American Parker Rochford is ‘the total package’ for No. 3-ranked Knights

WAVERLY — Wartburg football coach Chris Winter has worked with various athletes.

Some mastered the X’s and O’s of football and used knowledge and instinct. Others used their athleticism and explosiveness to excel on the field.

Parker Rochford fits into a group of players, according to Winter.

“Parker has both of those things combined in one, and that’s what makes him different,” Winter said. “He’s an elite athlete for our level and he has natural instincts. He’s humble enough to put in the work and not just rely on his athleticism alone. The combination has made him what he is right now.”

Rochford has started this season in the same fashion he closed his All-America effort a year ago. The junior safety has earned American Rivers Conference and national recognition the first two weeks with four interceptions, three pass breakups and 14 total tackles, entering the No. 3 Knights’ conference opener against Buena Vista Saturday at Walston-Hoover Stadium.

“Last year was kind of an awakening for me,” Rochford said. “I feel like I didn’t really know what my place was on the team. I found that out throughout the year.

“I’ve been hurt all offseason, so I haven’t been able to rep with them at all during spring ball. To dust off the cobwebs and pick up where I left off really feels good. It helps when you have a really good front seven that gets after it and allows for balls to get thrown up to you.”

Winter’s comments were appreciated. Rochford seemed to value the ability to execute and make plays.

“It feels good to hear that from Coach Winter, obviously,” Rochford said. “I probably take more pride in being athletic than being smart. You can study all you want but when you get out there it’s going to be our guys versus your guys and if you can make plays or not.”

Knights football has added meaning for Rochford and his family. Rochford’s dad, James, started his college career at the University of Iowa and finished at Wartburg. His younger brother, Preston, is a starting linebacker for the Knights. James is the head coach at Ed-Co, sharing the game with his sons in high school.

“It’s cool that he played there and now my brother, Preston and I are playing here,” Rochford said. “We’re on opposite sides of the field but it’s still pretty sweet to play with your brother again because you haven’t played with him since high school. It’s surreal.

“It must feel good for our parents to see us out there, playing the sport we love.”

Rochford made a big jump from his freshman to sophomore season. He went from three tackles in two games his first year to playing in all 14 games, including the national semifinal, with seven interceptions and 70 total tackles.

Fifth-year seniors Jaden Van Roekel and Eli Barrett and former linebacker Sam Kissner answered a lot of questions as Rochford tried to learn the defense and acclimate to the college game. He applied those lessons and worked hard in the offseason to improve.

“They did an amazing job of taking me under their wing and helping me,” Rochford said. “I think that was very beneficial but I think just the speed of the game changed a lot for me. I think that’s what I had to get the most used to.”

The adjustments have garnered numerous honors from the time he stepped into the Knights’ secondary. He was an AP second-team All-American and third team by D3football.com. He added second-team all-region accolades and was a first-team all-conference pick in 2022.

Rochford was named A-R-C Defensive Player of the Week and to D3football.com’s Team of the Week in each of the first two weeks. Winter said he could play at a higher level and fit in with those players.

“He’s a special guy right now,” Winter said. “We’re hoping to continue to build on what he’s bringing to the table.”

Rochford’s versatility allows him to play the run and the pass effectively. Traits Wartburg utilizes, asking him to cover the flats, ball hawk in zone coverage and run support as the defensive front stretches run plays to the sideline.

He had 3.5 tackles for loss against in last week’s 16-2 win over then-No. 16 Bethel (Minn.) University. He also returned an interception for a touchdown in a 62-35 Week 1 win against Monmouth (Ill.) College.

“He’s the total package,” Winter said. “He’ll come hit you. He can cover. He’s a well-rounded guy. We’re happy to have him here at Wartburg. No doubt.”

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