Nevada back blows up SPARQ
Running back Akil Sharp (5-10, 190, 4.4) from Las Vegas (Nev.) Sierra Vista blew up the SPARQ Combine held in Long Beach, Calif., last Saturday on March 15th. Because of his outstanding performance, Sharp's name is now in front of colleges from coast to coast.
"It went well," Sharp said about the SPARQ combine. "I was very excited that I broke the SPARQ record.
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"I didn't know that my jump was considered illegal so I did it again and I recorded a 40.1 vertical," Sharp said. "The time before that I had a 43.8 when I was pumped up, but they said that one was illegal.
"So at this moment everything is up in the air," Sharp said. "They have their job to do and I'm not going to let this minor setback hurt my morale. I'm just going to push through it.
You don't get the numbers that Sharp accumulated at the SPARQ Combine without being very athletic and an outstanding work ethic.
Sharp has approached his offseason with a lot of purpose.
"I've been working really hard," Sharp said. "It was tough last season. I battled through a series of injuries. I sprained my MCL and for the last five games I had a pulled groin.
"I just played because my team needed me," Sharp said. "I was just looking out for my team.
"I wasn't able to really showcase what I am able to do because of my injuries last year. So I have been giving 110 percent effort every time I step into the weight room or do anything that is going to push me further within football.
Even though Sharp played most of the season under the duress of injuries, he still earned second-team all-league honors after rushing for 1,255 yards and eight touchdowns.
On the recruiting trail things are picking up for Sharp. Just last week, Sharp picked up 19 recruiting letters in one day. He still doesn't have an offer, but it is apparent that he could land his first offer any day.
"Arizona and UNLV have shown the most interest," Sharp said. "That's because both schools are close. Stanford is also showing a lot of interest."
It is obvious to see why Stanford is recruiting Sharp hard, he carries a 4.419 GPA.
Clemson invited Sharp to their junior day, but he couldn't attend. Colorado has also invited him to their junior day and he's hoping to attend that event on April 5th.
What is Sharp looking for in a school?
"I want the school to have a good football program and excellent academics as well," Sharp said. "Since my mom is a doctor, academics and excellence is important to us.
"My mom won the Golden Stethoscope award and is one of the best doctors in Las Vegas."
The scouting report on Sharp is he's a power back with speed. He can run through tackles, but also has the burst to get the through the hole.