OGDEN — Playing hurt is nothing new for Ty Sparrow.

The Weber State safety, it seems, has played as many football games with broken bones as he has without.

"I think since my junior year in high school, I've broken something every year but one," Sparrow said. "I'm starting to think it's normal to have something broken on me."

Sparrow, finally a senior for the Wildcats after what seems like being with the team forever, is one of the most experienced players WSU coach Ron McBride has. He's also one of the toughest.

While earning honorable mention accolades from the Big Sky last year, Sparrow was involved in 68 tackles, picked off three passes, forced a fumble, blocked two kicks and recorded a safety.

For good measure, he's also walked on to the basketball team each of the last two years and, though he doesn't see a lot of game time on the hardwood, his football toughness has been a valuable asset to the Weber State hoops squad during practice.

His attitude and leadership will come in handy this season as he seeks to lead the Wildcats to a Big Sky title.

"He brings maturity and experience," McBride said of the 6-foot-4, 220-pounder from Weber High by way of Snow Junior College. "He's the kind of guy we need as we try to bring some of these young guys along."

Sparrow joined with Bo Smith to form one of the best secondary units in the Big Sky last year. Smith is gone after his one-year Weber State experience. But there is still plenty of talent on the roster.

Cornerbacks Terrell Cloud and Craig North appear to be the top candidates to start the season on the corners with Scotty Goodloe at the top of the list as Sparrow's partner at safety, where he started 10 games and had 51 tackles as a sophomore. North started seven games last year and had 46 tackles.

Newcomers Duane Paul, Jon Carroway, Thyrell Lewis and Sam Hardy also figure to make pushes for playing time on the corners. Sam North, Craig's younger brother, is expected to be one of the top backups at safety.

"We've got nine guys that we feel pretty good about," McBride said. "Five of them will end up playing. That competition forces them to be at their best in practice and is making us better."

Sparrow, possibly the player most secure in the lineup, is thrilled to see the action on the practice field as his teammates battle for playing time.

"It's good. I'd hate to be the position coach and have to make that decision," Sparrow said. "We have the talent to be every bit as good as last year. But we need to have a couple of them step up and let us know we can depend on them. I think we'll be fine."