Tennessee Volunteers Football: Butch Jones Praises Senior Linebacker Dontavis Sapp
By Zach Ragan
August 31, 2012; Atlanta, GA, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack quarterback Mike Glennon (8) is hit by Tennessee Volunteers linebacker Dontavis Sapp (41) while throwing a pass in the second half at the Georgia Dome. Tennessee beat NC State 35-21. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports
Senior linebacker Dontavis Sapp hasn’t posted a lot of meaningful stats during his first three seasons at Tennessee.
Of course he hasn’t had much of a chance, being buried on the depth chart and playing on special teams has prevented the opportunity for big numbers.
2013 will provide Sapp that chance to finally prove his worth to the Vols, as he takes over the weakside linebacker position from Herman Lathers.
The Georgia native hasn’t wasted any time impressing the new coaching staff and taking advantage of his opportunity, performing well through the spring and taking home the Andy Spive award for most improved defensive player during the spring.
Sapp’s had a strong spring and Butch Jones recognized that during Wednesday’s preseason press conference.
"Jones: Absolutely. Love him. He’s done anything and everything that we have asked of him and it started from day one. I thought in the spring, he was one of our most consistent players. He could start on every single special teams that we have and make an impact in the game that way. He’s one of our starting linebackers. I think he’s explosive. We’ve really challenged him in the strength and conditioning area with the neck and the traps, and I don’t know if you brought it up, but I joke with him all the time, but he’s really answered a challenge. He’s playing right now and he’s leading the way a senior should."
Jones wasn’t the only one who had great things to say about Sapp, junior middle linebacker A.J. Johnson continued the praise.
"Johnson: He has made me step my game up! In practices, he is going to work just as hard as me, and one of the things we do is try to beat each other to the ball each play. It doesn’t matter if it is a 60-yard pass, we are running full speed trying to beat each other there. It’s getting us in shape and making us better players overall. I am glad he is beside me playing, and I know we are going to be a good combination"
The Vols, especially with the move back to a 4-3 defensive front, should be much improved on defense.
Sapp will have a huge part in that if he can carry his momentum from spring into the fall. He’s doing all the right things and there’s little reason to doubt that he’ll continue to emerge as a playmaker on defense.