| Fred Sparkman |
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Had a good spring and enters the season as the starter at middle linebacker • Is still learning the position • Has natural instincts for the position and can tackle well • Has a bright future at Carolina.
2003: Freshman season
One of 12 true freshmen to see playing time • Played in all 12 games, primarily on special teams, but also saw action as a reserve linebacker • Saw his most extensive playing time with 34 snaps against Virginia • Finished the season with 19 tackles, including 11 solo stops and eight assists • Had a season-high nine tackles, including seven primary hits and two assists, against Virginia • Had two tackles against Arizona State and Georgia Tech.
Central Columbia High School
SuperPrep All-America • Four-year starter at linebacker and running back • Ranked by ESPN recruiting analyst Tom Lemming as one of the top 100 players in the country •Ranked by ESPN as the No. 3 inside linebacker in the country • Ranked the No. 11 linebacker in the country by The Insiders Network • Name Mr. Football in Tennessee for linemen as a senior and was a finalist as a junior •Ranked the No. 16 prospect in Tennessee by the Knoxville News-Sentinel •Recorded 122 tackles, 21 tackles for losses, six sacks, four forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, two blocked PATs, three blocked punts, four pass breakups as a senior • Also rushed for 1,221 yards, averaging 7.8 per carry and had three kickoff returns for touchdowns • Had 158 tackles as a junior when the team was 10-0 •Finished his career with 438 tackles, 76 tackles for losses, 22 sacks, 11 forced fumbles eight fumble recoveries •Rushed for 2,881 career yards and returned five kickoffs for touchdowns • Scored 38 career touchdowns • Coached by Vance Belew • Only freshman to ever start for Belew in 17 years • Also played basketball and competed in track and field • Member of Peace in Action •
Personal
Born Frederick Dewayne Sparkman on June 20, 1985 • Son of Sammy Sparkman • Favorite former UNC player is Lawrence Taylor • Favorite food is pizza • Favorite TV show is Martin • His cousin, Ronnie Pillow, played football at Tennessee • Enrolled in the General College.
