Eagles' Parker ready to reunite with Washburn

EVESHAM, N.J.Juqua Parker has an extra motivator this season: an old familiar face. The Eagles defensive end has spent the last six years in Philadelphia, but for the first four years of his career, he was a Tennessee Titan. When the Eagles hired Jim Washburn, his former position coach with the Titans, Parker was pretty happy. Im very excited, Parker said. He used to be an old coach of mine for four years in Tennessee before I came here so Im really looking forward to playing for him again.The 33-year-old defensive end was a participant, yet again, in the Eagles' informal workouts at the Memorial Sports Complex in Marlton, N.J., on Wednesday. He joined Trevard Lindley, Trevor Laws, Austin Howard, Jamaal Jackson, Clay Harbor, former Eagle Matt McCoy and Moorestown, N.J. native Albert Young for an hour-long workout. Parker didnt see much playing time with the Titans. He never started a game but did have four sacks in 2003. With the Eagles, Parker has found a larger role. Hes started at least 10 games in each of his last three seasons. Now, hes looking forward to getting another chance with the 61-year-old Washburn. He brings the best out of you, Parker said. He brings that want-to out of you. He just expects a lot out of you when he knows what you can do. Hes just a motivator. You want that coach thats going to push you, thats going to take you that extra mile, so thats the guy. While Washburn might be the right guy to coach the defensive line, some question Parkers starting role with the Birds. Last season, rookie Brandon Graham started the first four games of the season, but when he struggled, Parker filled in. He had 19 tackles and six sacks.Graham had microfracture surgery in December, which means he will likely miss a considerable amount of time this season. So, cue the rumors about the Eagles trying to bring in another defensive end (maybe Jason Babin?) to start opposite of Trent Cole. Parker doesnt mind. Hes heard them all before. Ive been hearing that since Ive been here, Parker said. That really dont bother me. They can bring in whoever they want to bring in. I dont worry about who they bring in, I just have to worry about me. I know what I can do and I know what I bring to the table.I pretty much dont worry about all that. Theyve been bringing in guys here for the past couple of years, so it really doesnt matter to me. For now, Parker is just concerned about one thing: finally getting back on the field. Im kind of excited to just hear anything about it, you know, the past couple of months, we havent been hearing anything about it, he said. The past couple of days we have. Im just excited to get back to work. Hopefully its next week. I want it as soon as possible.E-mail Dave Zangaro at dzangaro@comcastsportsnet.comRelated: Eagles anticipate end of lockout, ready for LehighDidinger: Eagles cornerback prospects