Class of 2017 Glenwood Springs (CO) dual-threat quarterback Dante Sparaco has been balling out for the Demons this season. The 6'3 215 gun-slinger dominated the JV competition, amassing over 2,000 all-purpose yards and 22 touchdowns in six games.
Since making the jump to Varsity, Sparaco has excelled on the defensive side of the ball, racking up 75 total tackles (40 solo) and seven sacks, which ranks among the best in Colorado. Sparaco's athletic ability has been utilized on offense, as the quarterback is averaging 9 yards per carry with four rushing touchdowns in four games.
Dante Sparaco: Freshman Offensive Highlights
CLA had the chance to speak with the talented freshman in lieu of Glenwood Springs playoff game on Saturday. With Sparaco in the mix, the 8-3 Demons have rattled off several wins in a row and will host Delta in a regular season rematch. Glenwood Springs defeated Delta 15-7 on September 27.
"I feel really good about how our team has been performing lately. We had a tough start at the beginning of our season but I feel like we have really pulled it together and we are really working together as a team. I love everyone of my teammates, especially the seniors and I am going to do everything in my power to play another game with them because I know that they are going to do everything in theirs to do the same," said Sparaco.
In addition to his team's pivotal playoff contest, Sparaco recently received invitations to the prestigious 2014 Under Armour and Blue-Grey All-American Combines.
"It feels really good. I mean this is like the icing on the cake. You put in the work every day every hour and to see it pay off is a real blessing," said Sparaco.
Sparaco enjoyed an unofficial visit to Colorado State a few weeks ago.
"It was amazing. Being able to go to a great place like the CSU campus and going down on the field was amazing. It really gave you a taste of how it feels and I can't wait to do it again. I have already taken 2 unofficial visits to CSU and hopefully i will be able to go there again. I've also taken an unofficial to UCLA and I really would like to visit Oregon State," Sparaco told CLA Sports.
Sparaco is already receiving interest from several programs.
"My top schools are Notre Dame, Stanford, Oregon, UCLA, Oregon State, and CSU. I've gotten a lot of interest from some Ivy league schools but the ones that have shown the most interest are probably CSU and Oregon State," said Sparaco.
A potential scholarship offer from Notre Dame would be huge for Dante.
"It would mean everything to me. You know I have been an Irish fan for as long as I can remember and I'm just attracted to every aspect of the school, not only from the athletic standpoint but also from an academic standpoint."
To say Dante is wise beyond his years would be an understatement. Sparaco is destined for greatness on and off the field. The astute youngster has invaluable wisdom to impart on potential college level athletes.
"The most important thing is that school comes first. We are student athletes not athlete students. You need to do anything in your power to stay up to date in everything in the classroom. That is the first thing colleges look for. And it is not only about the colleges either. Your education is only going to benefit you in the long run," said Sparaco.
Definitely words of wisdom that all aspiring college level athletes should heed. It's no surprise that Sparaco is ahead of the game, thanks in large part to his solid support system.
"My family has been great. They have really helped me emotionally as well as physically. They hold me to a high standard and they expect excellence from me every moment of my life and i really believe that those virtues have really helped me in my day to day life," said Sparaco.
CLA looks forward to following the Demons playoff run and expects the supremely talented Sparaco to land several scholarship offers in the future.
