Sparks Will Miss Season With Injury

A continuing shoulder problem will force Washington State running back Derek Sparks to miss the 1993 season, the Seattle Times has reported.

Sparks, a 5-foot-11, 214-pound junior-to-be from Montclair Prep, was projected to be a starter next fall, said Cougar Coach Mike Price. But after Washington State’s second full-scale spring scrimmage Saturday, Price said Sparks will be redshirted.

Sparks underwent surgery early last week to repair an injury that slowed him much of last season. Doctors found more damage than expected and decided to operate again in the fall once Sparks has recovered from the initial surgery.

Sparks gained 234 yards in 69 carries last season as a backup to senior Shaumbe Wright-Fair.

“That’s just a terrible blow to us, because now we don’t have one running back with any game experience,” Price said.

To add depth to the position, Price has moved Kevin Hicks, a junior, from slotback to running back.