JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – Carson-Newman football will put a bow on its spring practice schedule Tuesday at 4 p.m. when the Eagles will take to Burke-Tarr Stadium for the program's annual Orange v. Blue spring game.
The game will feature Carson-Newman's first, second and third string offenses against the team's first, second and third string defenses.
That bow could be used as a tourniquet for C-N. The Eagles have spent much of the spring practice schedule weathering injury. Case in point, Bearden graduate and quarterback Nicky Frizen who has been thrown into running with Carson-Newman's first string this spring after injuries to De'Andre Thomas, Noah Suber and Darvia DuBose.
"We had a quarterback who's been on this campus for two months who's been unbelievable," Sparks said. "We started this spring with six quarterbacks, and now we've got Nicky. He's been unbelievable in his progression and his improvement. I've fell in love with his attitude. He's got the argument that he should be on the plane when we go to Wayne State."
Sparks also pointed to offensive linemen Patrick Priest and Tyler Scott, as well as running back Randall Freeman, as players who have made significant strides this spring.
"I think we've had some guys really grow," Sparks said. "There's been no doubt we've been challenged spiritually this spring. We've had some inspiring speakers like Tony Dungy who have challenged us. Our coaches have been persistent about trying to give people the chance to get better. But we certainly have a lot of progressing to make on the field and off."
The Eagles are working to replace their entire linebacking corps following the graduations of Jaycob Coleman, Jonathan Sites and Greg Beauduy.
Carson-Newman returns seven starters on offense and five on defense.
The spring game is open to the public. There is no cost for admission.