Sparks, Dave

Dave Sparks – (1973)

 

(Deceased)

Fine football tackle three years at Lorain High, earning all-league honors in 1946. Found niche as college and professional guard before untimely death in 1954 at age 26.

As the University of South Carolina’s captain in 1950 he earned all-state, all-conference, all-South and All-American college laurels.

Played for victorious South in 1950 North-South Shrine all-star game; one of few rookies to make National Football League in 1951.

Starter with San Francisco 49ers (1951), Ft. Lee (1952-53) and Washington Redskins (1954); pro coaches were Buck Shaw and Joe Kuharich.

Washington owner George Preston Marshall stated he was “one of pro football’s future stars.”

Among his NFL teammates were Y. A. Tittle,, Joe Perry, Gordon Soltau, Billy Wilson, Leo Nomellini, Vic Janowicz, Dick Albin and Slug Witucki.