THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, January 21, 1996 TAG: 9601190295
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS PAGE: 22 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY BILL LEFFLER
LENGTH: Medium: 89 lines
``THINGS ARE STARTING to happen'' for Aaron Sparrow, just as his coach told him when he first reported for football practice at Wilson High School in 1987.
Sparrow, who went on to rewrite virtually all the passing records at Wilson and at Norfolk State University, is on the threshold of becoming a quarterback in the National Football League.
In a few weeks Sparrow, a Portsmouth native and the oldest of six Sparrow children, will report to the NFL combine camp in Chicago to display his quarterbacking talent to pro scouts. Last weekend, he played in the Snow Bowl, a college all-star game for Division II players.
``The door is starting to open for me just as Coach (Darnell) Moore told me when I first started playing for him,'' said Sparrow, who celebrates his 24th birthday on Jan. 27. ``I can still remember the day he sat me down at Wilson and told me all the things that could happen for me - a good high school football career, a college career and a pro career.
``The good Lord blessed me with the physical ability and the talent. But it took the coaching I have received from Coach Moore to get where I am now. He groomed me into a pocket passer.''
Moore, who again became Sparrow's coach after leaving Wilson to coach at Norfolk State, has little doubt that the 6-2, 215-pound Sparrow will make the grade in pro football.
``When Aaron went out to play for the East team in the Snow Bowl I was told he had outstanding practices,'' said Moore. ``His arm strength stood out. Then he played in the game and did well despite having the flu, leading his team to a victory.''
The East defeated the West, 10-7, in the Snow Bowl at Fargo, N.D. Sparrow quarterbacked the first and third quarters, completing 6 of 10 passes. Three other completions were nullified by penalties.
``One night when we first got to Fargo I was out getting something to eat and was walking through hip-deep snow,'' said Sparrow. ``I fell into what I found out was a ditch and really got wet and cold.
``Later in my room I was just thawing out when my roommate put the air-conditioning on for the night. He said he always slept with it on. That's when I picked up the flu.''
Scouts from one team advised Sparrow not to play in the game. ``They told me they already had seen what I can do and it wouldn't help me any to play if I was sick. But I played anyway and felt I had a good game.''
``I think that speaks volumes about this young man,'' said Moore.
Since then, Moore said he has been contacted ``by a number of pro scouts.''
``Several teams have requested additional film on him. Just this week I heard from the San Francisco 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs.''
Moore is setting up some workout sessions for scouts to come to Norfolk State in February and March to watch Sparrow practice with James Roe, who became the Spartans' all-time leading pass catcher while on the receiving end of Sparrow's aerials.
Two brothers in Richmond, the sons of Norfolk State president Dr. Harrison B. Wilson, will represent Sparrow in his negotiations with NFL teams. They represent several pro players.
``My only advice for Aaron will be in the training and preparation nature,'' said Moore. Sparrow is working out with the Norfolk State track team and spending two nights a week in the weight room.
``I've been running a lot of 40-yard dashes,'' Sparrow said. ``I'm working on my sprint time.''
Sparrow says he will be happy to play with any NFL team that gives him the opportunity. As a high school player his hero was Randall Cunningham of the Philadelphia Eagles. Later he became an admirer of the Miami Dolphins' Dan Marino. ``And that has made me a Dolphins' fan, I guess,'' he added with a laugh.
In the midst of his preparations for pro football, Sparrow will start the final requirements for his college degree. He is majoring in social work and must complete an internship. In March he will begin work with Human Resources in Norfolk.
``Getting my degree is especially satisfying for me because I can remember what some people had to say when I didn't pass my SAT.
``I still had opportunities to go to a lot of bigger schools than Norfolk State but you don't have to go to a big college to be successful.
``There has been a lot of obstacles but, with the help of God, I'm where I want to be. I can see good things happening. And I'll never forget the day my coach first told me that's the way it could be.'' ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by CHRISTOPHER REDDICK
Portsmouth native Aaron Sparrow, who rewrote all the passing records
at Wilson and Norfolk State University, will report soon to the NFL
combine camp in Chicago.
by CNB