Sparrow lands at Ball State

Harper College offensive tackle Chris Sparrow has signed a national letter of intent with Ball State University.

Sparrow choose the Cardinals over Bethune-Cookman and Western Illinois.

“I really liked it when I went on my visit,” the Vicksberg, Mich., native said of Ball State.

Sparrow was a two-time all-Midwest Football Conference selection as well as a two-time all-Region IV pick at tackle. Ball State finished last season 4-8 overal and 3-5 in the MAC West. The Cardinals have their first game under new coach Pete Lembo Sept. 3 against Indiana at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind.

Ball State will ask the 6-foot-1, 290-pound Sparrow to move to the interior of the offensive line, either at guard or center. Sparrow has always played tackle but is not worried about adapting.

“There’s not much to change,” Sparrow said of moving closer to center.

Sparrow plans to major in exercise science.

“They are very high on their academics out there,” Sparrow said of Ball State.

Sparrow comes from an athletic family. His mother, Karen Zimmerman, was a tennis player. She accompanied Sparrow on his offical visit Feb. 12. Sparrow’s father William played football and baseball.

“It was my dream to play D-I,” said Sparrow. “I still have a lot to play for.”