Former Rebel Jermey Parnell Will Start for Dallas Cowboys

Former Ole Miss Rebel Jermey Parnell will now be the starting offensive tackle for the Dallas Cowboys after Doug Free went down in the 30-23 win on Sunday in Seattle against the World Champion Seahawks.
Free was blocking for DeMarco Murray on a six-yard run when he collapsed on the field with a sprained right foot. Parnell came into the Cowboy lineup at right tackle on the next play and helped seal the edge on a 15-yard touchdown run by Murray.
After the game, head coach Jason Garret said that Jermey did a really nice job.
“He didn’t play many plays in the game but he played some important ones,” Garret said. “He’s been dealing with a rib injury and hasn’t been able to practice for days.”
The Cowboys owner Jerry Jones confirmed Tuesday morning on a radio show that Parnell, who is dealing with a rib injury, is expected to replace Free as the starting right tackle.
In Parnell’s career as a reserve he has only started two games as a fifth-year player.
Parnell entered the NFL after playing only one season in a Rebel uniform under coach Huston Nutt. He came to Ole Miss on a basketball scholarship to play for Andy Kennedy’s squad. He had not played football since eighth grade.
After a successful year on the gridiron in Parnell’s senior season, he signed as a free-agent with the New Orleans Saints in 2009 to play defensive end. After not making the final roster, Parnell spent the rest of the season on their practice squad.
During that time with the Saints, they tried him out at defensive tackle, tight end and offensive line. He has spent time on the Miami Dolphins, New Orleans Saints and Cowboys active roster.
Parnell re-signed a three-year deal with the Cowboys back in April of 2012.
Adam Brown is sports editor of HottyToddy.com and can be reached at adam.brown@hottytoddy.com.