Johnson C. Smith University has added a notable name to its quarterback room, as former 4-star signal caller Parker McQuarrie announced his commitment to the Golden Bulls.
McQuarrie brings a unique football journey to Charlotte. Coming out of high school, he was rated a 4-star prospect by Rivals coming out of St. Paul’s (Concord, N.H), where he led the Pelicans to consecutive state titles in his first two seasons. He was regarded as one of the more highly touted quarterback prospects in his class and originally signed with UCLA as part of the Bruins’ 2020 recruiting class. During his recruitment, McQuarrie reportedly drew interest from several major programs, including University of Michigan, University of Miami, University of Wisconsin–Madison, and Boston College.
Since departing UCLA, McQuarrie has spent time at Independence Community College and later at the University of New Haven. New Haven is the process of transitioning from Division II to FCS and McQuarrie cited “scheduling uncertainty“ during this transiton as the reason for his departure .
The addition comes at an important time for the Golden Bulls. Following spring practice, JCSU’s quarterback room underwent significant changes, with quarterbacks quarterbacks Andrew Attmore II and Trooper Floyd entering the transfer portal. Floyd has since committed to Albany State. McQuarrie now steps into what is expected to be an open competition for the starting role heading into the 2026 season.
His arrival is viewed as a major pickup for the program, particularly considering his Power Four pedigree and recruiting background. It is uncommon for a former blue-chip quarterback recruit to land at a Division II HBCU, making the commitment another sign of the growing momentum surrounding the Golden Bulls program.
Johnson C. Smith enters the upcoming season with heightened expectations after capturing its first CIAA championship since 1969, and hosting an NCAA Division II playoff game last year. McQuarrie’s commitment only adds more intrigue to a program looking to build on its recent success.
