NORMAL, Ill. - Illinois State head football coach Brock Spack added another big piece to his defensive puzzle, as he announced the addition of freshman transfer Albert Sparks to the Redbird roster for 2010. Sparks transferred to ISU from Buffalo and will have four years of eligibility remaining, after sitting out the 2009 season as a redshirt.
Sparks, a 6-foot-3, 320-pound defensive tackle, will join a veteran rotation of players on the interior of the line for the Redbirds. Seniors Xzavier Stewart, Mike Piton and Dave Rivas and junior Eric Brunner return to form a strong core and Sparks will join fellow FBS transfer Milton Owens up front.
"We felt we needed a little more depth inside and I think Albert will be a great fit in our system," Spack said. "When the Buffalo coaching staff left for Kansas, Albert felt like he needed to find a comfortable situation. Those coaches told us that if they had a scholarship at Kansas, they would have offered it to Albert and that speaks to the type of player and person he is.
"He's extremely athletic for his size and comes from a strong prep background in Texas. We are hopeful that ISU will be a great program for him and we look forward to working with him."
The Irving, Texas, native was a two-year letterwinner for head coach Brian Basil at Irving MacArthur High School. He recorded 60 tackles and registered four sacks during his senior season, which earned him second-team all-district honors. Sparks also participated on the track and field team during his prep career.
Illinois State opens the 2010 season Thursday, Sept.2, at Hancock Stadium against Central Missouri. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. CT.
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