University of Albany FCS Football Center Andy Sparano Leads Offense As He Snaps Football at Line of Scrimmage - UAlbany Sports 2010

Albany, N.Y. - The tailback pounds off left tackle on a touchdown run or the quarterback connects with a receiver on a long scoring pass. No matter how the play developed, it all started with the center snapping the ball.

Andy Sparano is the player who triggers the action for the University at Albany football team. The senior started at right guard on the offensive line last season. But this spring he has moved to center, a position that has more responsibility that any loyal Great Dane fan may realize.

"I have to be in tune with the entire line and make all the calls," said Sparano, a 5-foot-11, 270-pounder who has played before as a collegian in the middle of UAlbany's offensive front. "I have to identify the linebacker, whether it's run or pass, and if we are checking the play, do so in a timely fashion."

Adds UAlbany offensive line coach Mike Morita, "He's the leader. He scans the defensive front, sets the protection and who were are working to. Andy is perfect for the role. He is confident with football savvy, and is tough physically and mentally."

Besides weight training and conditioning, Sparano's day usually starts the same way each offensive play begins. He rotates with each of UAlbany's quarterbacks for at least ten minutes on the center exchange and ball security.

"The outcome is in our (line) hands," he states. "If we can run for four or five yards at a clip, that fires up or energizes the rest of the team. It's an offense that is built off toughness, the power run game. I am fortunate that I have been surrounded by guys who know what it takes to win and work hard every day."

Sparano's approach to football has strong family roots. His father, Tony, has worked on the professional and college levels and is preparing for his third season as the Miami Dolphins' head coach. His older brother, Tony, was a starting defensive end on last year's UAlbany squad and is currently a defensive line assistant with the United Football League's Hartford Colonials.

"My father showed me how to have a work ethic and about being smart, eliminating mistakes like offsides or personal fouls," Sparano said. "My brother helped me with my decision to come here. He explained the mentality of the team and what to expect."

Now Andy Sparano must help his guards and tackles stay on the same page as they work to control the line of scrimmage. It all begins before he even snaps the ball.

Paw Prints: The Great Danes will hold their seventh spring practice on Friday, April 16 ... UAlbany is scheduled to play an intrasquad scrimmage game on Saturday, April 24 at 3:00 p.m., as part of the UAlbany Alumni Association's Annual Spring Stomp ... the Spring Stomp schedule includes baseball's doubleheader with Stony Brook at 12 noon and men's lacrosse's matchup with Stony Brook at 7:00 p.m. ... former UAlbany center Oji Fagan (1996-99) has been named running backs coach for the United Football League's Hartford Colonials.


Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information