Husker Killers: Darren Sproles

6 comments so far March 5, 2008 by Darren K. Carlson

Despite our shared first name, Darren Spoles is a Husker killer that I loathed to see play. Few players performed so consistently well against NU as Sproles did. At KSU he amassed tremendous statistics and acclaim. He's widely considered among the very best players for the Big 12 school I like least. And when he graduated, I remember saying to my wife, "Thank God, that guy is gone. He was a real killer."

In his last three ball games against NU, Sproles tallied 434 rushing yards and 6 touchdowns. Beyond the production, Sproles was a killer because his fast, elusive, and powerful style of running led to an infuriating number of missed Husker tackles. They called him "Little Tank," but to me he was like a nimble bowling ball, if you can imagine such a thing. And, the games in which he played were important contributing factors to the diminishing Husker mystique and part of Frank Solich's undoing.

The 2002 contest in Manhattan turned into a Husker bloodletting, ending 49-13 in favor of the Wildcats. Sproles was the major contributor to KSU 415 rushing yards that day, going for 159 yards and three scores. His third quarter touchdown erased almost all hope for a Husker comeback. And his 70-yard backbreaking run capped scoring in the fourth quarter. The "Dar-ren Sproles" chant from the KSU student section still rings in my ears as I think about the game. A back so beloved and chanted for by a Big 12 student body reminded me of NU's "Ahhhhh-Maaaaaan-Greeeeeen". And I hated every minute of it.

In 2003, KSU took Lincoln from NU by a 38-9 score. The fans streaming out of Memorial Stadium before the game was over was one of the sure signs that Solich had "lost the crowd" and that coaching change may be afoot. Most point to KSU quarterback Ell Roberson's 313 passing yards as the problem for NU that day. Personally, I blame Sproles. His 140 yards on 25 carries helped pace KSU and set up the passing game. And, his 22-yard scoring burst was the only score in the 1st quarter, and help set the tone. And his 41 yard scamper set up another KSU score. And the Husker inability to bring him down was demoralizing to watch.

Even when KSU was a bad football team in 2004, Sproles helped power KSU to a victory over NU 45-21. In that game in Manhattan, Sproles had 135 yards and two touchdowns on 22 carries. Worse, was the way in which it happened. KSU was starting backup QB Allen Webb that day. Webb really couldn't throw for a darn. So, the Wildcats rode Webb (147 yards rushing) and Sproles to victory, grinding NU up by running what looked like the same 5 plays over and over. In the end, Sproles capped the day with a vintage run. He darted to the outside past tired Husker defenders to reach the end zone untouched.

I could have put video from all three games on this post. But, I didn't have it in me. Instead, I offer this Darren Spoles highlight film, which include some of his "greatest hits" against the Huskers(In slow-motion, no less). Watch, if you must.

Since KSU, Sproles has made a good living for himself with the San Diego Chargers as a kick returner and third-down back. It has been a very crowded backfield in San Diego with Tomlinson and Turner at running back. But, with Turner testing free agency this year, it could mean more opportunity for Sproles. I'll be more comfortable watching him ply his fast and elusive skills against teams not wearing scarlet and cream.

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