Clemson Freshman a ‘Natural’ at TE

Clemson signed just one TE in the 2022 recruiting class.

Josh Sapp, a 3-star prospect out of nearby Greenville and the son of former Clemson LB Patrick Sapp, has already caught the eye of head coach Dabo Swinney.

“Really glad we got him,” Swinney said. “He’s a little ball player now. He’s tough. He’s natural. He’s a really good athlete. It just comes easy for him.”

Sapp, who just started playing TE during his senior year in high school, not only brings a level of physicality to the position, but also a wealth of knowledge that comes from playing multiple positions in the past.

“He’s a fit kid, he ain’t afraid,” Swinney said. “He’s played linebacker. He’s played D-end. He’s played quarterback. He’s played running back. I mean, he’s a basketball player. He’s just a really smooth athlete.”

Although, with so much depth at the TE position, Sapp has the luxury of coming along at his own pace and for the Tigers it all starts with Davis Allen and Jake Briningstool in 2022.

“Davis Allen is a solid oak tree, man,” Swinney said. “He’s steady. He’s a pro. He’s the epitome of pro in how he handles himself, his commitment, his toughness, everything about him. So, I’m really pleased with him.”

“Brinny’s been awesome. This has been by far the best patch of Brinny that we’ve had. He’s the best Briningstool that he’s been since he got here. Last year, he was like a dang two-year-old lab running around out there; and just wide open, 100 miles an hour. Super talented. And then had to get bigger, had to get stronger and had a lot to learn.”

“I thought (Brinningstool) finished well in the spring and I think he carried that momentum over in the summer. But, he’s had a really good camp. I mean, he’s a really talented player and he’s done some really good things. I feel great.”