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North Henderson running back Parker Willis is ranked third in North Carolina and 21st nationally for rushing yards.

He models his game after former NFL running back Emmitt Smith, admiring his vision and ability to excel despite being undersized.

HENDERSONVILLE — North Henderson football coach Jim Beatty knew running back Parker Willis was going to be special after arriving as a freshman in 2024.

"He just seemed to have it, whatever it is," Beatty said. "He can see the holes. He runs really hard, runs over his pads, has good speed and just has a hard work ethic when it comes to football."

He was a backup to starter Mason Gasperson as a freshman. Willis then became a starter after North Henderson's quarterback got injured, which led to Gasperson sliding over to

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