Coaching change pays off for Tennessee’s Sapp
KNOXVILLE — Dontavis Sapp used to wonder if he’d ever get the opportunity to earn a meaningful role on Tennessee’s defense.
Sapp, a senior linebacker, was primarily a special-teams performer his first three years at Tennessee under former coach Derek Dooley. He briefly considered quitting or transferring. Sapp remembers thinking “is football really for me.” Those doubts have vanished. Sapp has emerged as one of the prize pupils of new coach Butch Jones, who never hesitates to praise the senior’s work ethic and leadership skills. After being named the team’s most improved defensive player in spring practice, Sapp heads into his final college season atop the depth chart at weak-side linebacker.
The turning point in Sapp’s career came when Jones arrived in December and offered a message to each of the players. Perhaps no Tennessee player has benefited more from the coaching change.
“What they’d done in the past did not have any merit at all,” Jones said. “Whether they were a starter or a backup, it didn’t matter. They were responsible for creating their own identity by the way they performed in the classroom, in the community and on the football field. He right away started creating his own identity.”
At the time, Sapp didn’t know much about Jones other than that he had coached a Cincinnati team that lost at Tennessee in 2011. But that introductory speech was just what Sapp needed to hear.
And the more he got to know his new coach, the more Sapp liked him.
“When Coach Jones came in, it was just whole different demeanor about him,” Sapp said. “If you see him, he’s always walking with a bounce. He always looks like he’s amped up and ready to do something.”
Jones quickly noticed that Sapp also always seemed ready for anything.
“He has a different energy about himself,” Jones said. “He takes coaching. He’s one of those individuals who takes pride in his consistency and his performance each and every day. He’s extremely coachable. You have to just tell him one time and he gets it. ”
Tennessee linebackers coach Tommy Thigpen calls Sapp “a natural leader,” but it’s tough for a player to provide much leadership from the sidelines. And that’s where Sapp has spent the majority of his career.
Sapp made just two starts in his first three years at Tennessee and spent most of last season backing up former teammate Herman Lathers. Sapp was frustrated by his lack of playing time and thought about leaving, though he says it was “just a thought” and never got K JAKE ELLIOTT
Intriguing fact: to the point where he discussed it with the former coaching staff.
Sapp sought the advice of Lathers and fellow linebackers A.J. Johnson and Curt Maggitt among others. They advised him to stick around and said he wouldn’t find a better situation elsewhere.
They believed Sapp could make a difference if he got an opportunity. Sapp’s time finally came when Jones arrived on campus.
“He came in and made sure everybody had a clean slate, no matter who you were, no mat- Doroland Dorceus and Tearris Wallace join Warford to battle incumbents Brandon Hayes and Jai Steib for a share of the rushing load. Warford (5-8, 175) rushed for 2,322 yards and 31 TDs last fall. He averaged 11.9 yards per carry.
Con- ter what you did last year,” Sapp said.
After struggling to find playing time for much of his college career, Sapp conceivably could spend his senior season as one of the Volunteers’ busiest players. Not only does Sapp have an expanded role on defense, the Vols want to continue using him as much as possible on special teams.
Sapp welcomes the additional responsibilities. Now that he finally has a shot at more playing time, Sapp wants to make sure he stays on the field as much as possible.
“If he wanted me to run back kicks and punts, I’d do it,” Sapp said. “I’m just trying to get out here and play.”
DEVELOPMENT
Newton tries to help Manziel: Cam Newton says he has spoken to Texas A&M’s Johnny Manziel about coping with the pressures of being a Heisman Trophy winning quarterback who lives life in the limelight
The Panthers quarterback said Tuesday that he and Manziel have talked a few times this offseason, but Newton wouldn’t discuss the specifics of the conversation. He says that’s something personal between him and Manziel.
Newton says Manziel “has to go through these types of situations to know how to handle them in the future. When somebody comes up to you and asks for your autograph, you don’t know if they’re going to do it for good or bad” purposes.
Like Manziel, Newton was under media scrutiny while at Auburn during an NCAA investigation into a pay-for-play allegation. nected on a 52-yard gamewinning field goal as time expired to lead Lyons Township (Ill.) High to a win his junior year.
With the departure of Paulo Henriques, who played in every game during his four-year career, and Tyler Spurlock, who left the program after last season, the Tigers are seeking a placekicker. The Tigers have gone 16-of-30 the past two seasons, including 2-of-8 from 40 to 49 yards. Elliott, a member of the 2013 signing class, had an outstanding junior season, earning All-America honors from ESPNHS after making 12of-13 field goals, including the 52-yarder.