Clemson Football: Six Mystery Freshmen

Josh Sapp

Another reason a freshman might avoid a redshirt is special teams. Even if a player has a lot of depth in front of them at their regular position, they might prove valuable as a player on punt or kick coverages.

Josh Sapp is another legacy recruit. His father, Patrick, played both quarterback and linebacker for the Tigers in the 1990’s. Though he only had a year of college experience on defense, he was drafted in 1996 and played five seasons in the NFL and the original XFL.

Josh played high school football at Greenville High School, where he was a teammate of fellow signee Collin Sadler. Sapp helped the Red Raiders advance to their first Upper State title game.

Sapp is a tight end, and he has Clemson in his blood. While Clemson talked to highly ranked prospects at the tight end position, Sapp was patient and waited for his opportunity. When Clemson zeroed in on him as their tight end take for 2022, he committed to Clemson in October 2021.

The Tigers have four veteran players returning for the 2022 season. Davis Allen is the starter, and Jake Briningstool is expected to see considerable action. Sage Ennis & Luke Price are there to spell the top two. Given that depth, I think most people saw Sapp as an automatic redshirt, and it might still be most likely that he will play in his four games and shut it down for the season.

The one reason to question that assumption: special teams. The chatter coming from camp is that Sapp has done well on special teams, and that might put him in the discussion for regular playing time. It also might come into Clemson’s thinking when putting together travel squads. If they are deciding between Sapp and another tight end, and Sapp plays a role on special teams, he might get the nod over the other option.