Boca Raton, FL.- Following another weekend of hosting Official Visitors, Florida Atlantic Head Coach Zach Kittley announced the Owls have already secured five commitments. The first two commitments came from Tampa Bay Tech’s shutdown defensive back duo of Eric Parks and Tyson Stroud.
Parks and Stroud announced earlier this morning in a collaborated Instagram post that they would be taking their talents to Paradise, and confirmed it on X.
In a joint interview following their commitment announcements, both Eric and Tyson reflected on their trip to Boca Raton, and what stood out about FAU.
“The visit to FAU was everything I could’ve hoped for and more.” Parks stated. “The energy around the program is real you can feel it from the coaches, and the players. What stood out the most was how much it truly felt like family. Everyone was locked in, but also genuine. The biggest takeaway for me was how invested the staff is in not just building great players, but great men. It wasn’t just about football it was about the future.”
“The visit was exciting, I was fired up all weekend!” Stroud shared. “It felt like I was home everybody made me feel like family!!! The area is very lavish and lives up to the nickname “Paradise”!!! Coach Kitt and the staff was great the whole weekend, no pressure on me let me do what I have to do and been great to be around!!!”
What’s the one thing better than committing to college? Committing to college with your best friend. Eric and Tyson are a special duo. These two have been teammates since pee-wee ball. Now, they’re preparing to take their talents to the next level.
“Tyson is more than just my teammate, he’s my brother. We’ve been grinding side by side since day one, competing, pushing each other, and holding each other accountable. To be able to continue that journey together at the D1 level, it’s a blessing. It says a lot about our bond we make each other better, and we’ve always had that trust. Now we get to take that same energy to FAU and show the world what we’re about.”
“It’s been a dream I’ve been playing with Eric since little league we talked about this day after day after day. We’re nothing more but blessed to have this opportunity to play at that D1 level together.”
Eric Parks and Tyson Stroud are the fourth and fifth commits in Zach Kittley’s 2026 recruiting class, and should make immediate impacts when they get to Paradise. First impressions are everything, so what is the first impression the guys want to make to Owls’ fans?
“The first impression I want the fans to know is I’m a team player and a leader who can help the team go all the way!” Tyson shared. “On and off the field I’m the same person with fired up energy a lot of love and a great person to be around!”
“I play with heart, and I want to be the guy you can count on in big moments.” Eric stated. “Off the field, I’m someone who values loyalty, family, and being a positive influence in the community. I’m about uplifting others and staying grounded. FAU fans can expect someone who’s all in every single day.”
