Aug 31, 2012; Atlanta, GA, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack running back James Washington (24) makes a reception in front of Tennessee Volunteers linebacker Dontavis Sapp (41) during the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game at the Georgia Dome. Tennessee won 35-21. Mandatory Credit: Paul Abell-USA TODAY Sports
Being named the biggest SEC star of the spring is a pretty big deal.
It’s an even bigger deal when you’re a senior linebacker that has only made two career starts.
Such is the case for Vols senior linebacker Dontavis Sapp, who was named as the spring’s biggest star in ESPN’s Sportsnation poll.
"With more than 5,500 votes cast in our SportsNation poll, Tennessee senior linebacker Dontavis Sapp narrowly beat Georgia freshman safety Tray Matthews by grabbing 29 percent of the vote, compared to Matthews’ 28 percent."
Sapp has played in 35 career games, but has saw limited action during his time at Tennessee. He has compiled 42 career tackles and one career sack in his first three seasons with the Vols.
The Georgia native spent his junior season as the backup to linebacker Herman Lathers. With Lathers graduation, Sapp was expected to see more playing time this upcoming season.
This spring Sapp has received even more playing time then expected because of the injury to fellow linebacker Curt Maggit, which was sustained during the 2012 season. Sapp has played extremely well this spring. Fans noticed his impact during the Orange and White game, which he finished with three tackles, including two for a loss.
The Vols have been weak at linebacker lately, but with the improved play of Sapp and the return of Curt Maggit, in addition to AJ Johnson, the Vols should have a solid linebacker core in 2013.