Clemson's Profile for Ricky Sapp

Sapp returned from a serious injury in 2008 and started all 14 games in 2009. Early on, it was evident that he was still working his way back from injury, but as the season wore on, his production increased and he appeared to regain his trademark explosiveness. He led the team in 2009 with 15 tackles for loss and 5 sacks. He earned second team All-ACC honors for his efforts as a senior.

Sapp is an athletic DE who could add some bulk to remain at the DE position in a 4-3 scheme, or move to OLB in a 3-4. Sapp is likely athletic enough to handle the SAM position in a 4-3 as well. His versatility should make him more attractive to more teams. He's explosive off the snap and gets into the backfield in a hurry. Many of his tackles occur behind the line of scrimmage. Sapp also has the speed to pursue sideline to sideline, and drop into coverage. He has long arms to help bat down passes. Sapp has excellent body control and balance, and can change direction quickly. Sapp is a hard-worker and plays until the whistle.

The biggest concern with Sapp will be his durability. If he's able to show he's healthy, then teams are going to want him to show he can shed blocks better than he has at Clemson. While he's a bright kid who applies himself in the classroom, there's a feeling that his football instincts are lacking and that he's more athlete than player at this point, and he's going to turn 24 in his rookie season.

Sapp has the athleticism and quickness, along with the sack and TFL totals that will interest NFL teams. If team's scouting reports show that he's fully healthy, he'll garner interest anywhere from the late first round the third round of the 2010 NFL Draft.

User: RichEisenIsGod
Date/Time: 01/6/2010 - 4:09PM CST
Predicted Round: Round 1

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User: packman0588
Date/Time: 01/4/2010 - 7:07PM CST
Predicted Round: Round 2

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Your Projected NFL Draft Round: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Undrafted

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