Knee Injury Ends Derek Sparks’ College Career

Former Mater Dei running back Derek Sparks’ college football career has ended as the result of a knee injury the senior running back suffered in Washington State’s game against Arizona, Washington State Coach Mike Price said.

Arthroscopic surgery this week revealed a torn anterior cruciate ligament and reconstructive surgery is expected to be scheduled within the next two weeks, Price said Wednesday.

Sparks, a 5-foot-11, 220-pound running back, finished a well-traveled high school career at Mater Dei, after transferring from Van Nuys Montclair Prep one game into his senior season. Sparks played at four high schools in four years.

Sparks started in the first six games at Washington State this season before being sidelined by an ankle sprain before the Oct. 21 Oregon game. He shared time with fellow senior Frank Madu, carrying 70 times for 243 yards and two touchdowns this season. Sparks injured his right knee in the first quarter of Saturday’s 24-14 loss to Arizona.