NSR Male AOD: Taven Sparks, 6’3″ QB/WR from Arapahoe High, Colorado with a 4.07 GPA

We selected Taven Sparks, a 6’3″, 195-pound QB from Arapahoe High School in Centennial, Colorado, as our Male Athlete of the Day.  A versatile athlete, he is also an impressive wideout with 4.6/40 speed.  His NSR scout, Mike Simbro, describes Taven this way: “Taven Sparks is an unquestionable leader!  I don’t think I have met anyone like Taven in the student-athlete community.  This young man has the self motivation to lead, teach and develop young people within his school and teams.  Taven has set the standard high when it comes to his academics as well as his level of play on the field.  He has participated in the Jeff Trickey QB Camp as well as sacrificed himself for the team and started at WR his Junior year earning All Conference and Academic All American Honors.  Taven participates on the boys basketball team who competes for championships every year, this experience will help him on the football field and give him a great sense of winning as well as being able to deliver in the clutch.  I am extremely excited to see Taven play during his Senior season and watch him prosper as a quarterback and a great man in the classroom and the community.”  In his essay to college coaches, Taven says, “I strive to make a difference, whether I am in the classroom, on the field, or volunteering in one of the many service projects in which I am involved. As a committed student, I try to maintain a balance between academics, athletics, and volunteering.  My academic achievements are a reflection of not only what I have learned, but also of the hard work I have put into each class. My difficult academic schedule, including several honors and AP classes, and my 4.071 GPA demonstrate my work ethic and determination to achieve my goals, while also participating in both varsity basketball and football at a top 5A division school.  In addition to working hard and performing academically, my strong work ethic has carried over into my athletic performances. I have participated in basketball and football every year while at Arapahoe. I was the only junior to start on our runner-up State Basketball Championship team. Although I thoroughly enjoy basketball, my true passion is football. The opportunity to play a game that requires such teamwork, preparation, and physicality provides me with a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction like nothing else I’ve ever experienced. I have played quarterback with great success every year since I was 8 years old. The role of quarterback comes naturally to me because I enjoy leading, performing under pressure and motivating others. Last year, I had the opportunity to play receiver for the first time as well. I really enjoyed the position and believe that it broadened my perspective of the game.”