Playing college football at any level is a dream come true. Being able to play division one, power five football with your high school teammate is a dream that most could not fathom.
For this Greenville High School duo, it is a reality.
“I mean, it’s great. I’ve been with him since sophomore year, and I’ve grown to love him like a brother,” said Collin Sadler about teammate Joshua Sapp. “I mean, it’s just really comforting knowing that even if I’m going off to college, I’m bringing a really close, personal friend with me.”
Sadler is a four-star offensive tackle, while Sapp is a three-star tight end. Both players constantly work together to push each other and to be the best versions of themselves.
“Collin, he’s a great teammate, a great leader, so [we’ll] keep working in the weight room and the field the same way we did here,” said Sapp about Sadler.
Sadler is a stout tackle who is 6’6″ and 305 pounds. Despite his incredible size and skill set, Sadler believes his mindset and determination allow him to be a successful lineman.
“I think it’s just being dedicated to what you are doing,” he said. “I mean, you got to go out there and get 1% better every single day. I mean, I never think that I’m the most talented out of everyone in the room, but, my god, I’m going to work [the] hardest.”
Sadler is ranked as the 135th best player in the nation and the 13th best offensive tackle, according to 247sports. Despite having over 30 offers on the table, including Alabama, Florida, Georgia and Iowa, he said that the decision to go to Clemson was easy.
“I mean, you know, it’s close. It’s a family environment that I just really gravitated towards really fast… I knew I was going be a Tiger,” said Sadler.
As Sadler said, the family environment was a big reason he came to Clemson. Robbie Caldwell, Clemson’s offensive line coach, embodies that description too.
“I mean, honestly, he feels like my grandfather,” Sadler said with a smile on his face. “I mean, he’s just a guy that you know will take you in. He’ll love you like family, but also, he’ll tell you the truth, which is something that I really appreciated.”
While Sadler has a coach who feels like his grandfather, Sapp’s father was a linebacker at Clemson from 1992-95 before getting drafted by the San Diego Chargers.
Although his father was a Tiger, Sapp said he knew Clemson was the right spot for him after going to a game as a recruit.
“There’s just nowhere else like it. The culture, everything, the fans, there is nowhere else like it,” said Sapp.
Sapp, 6’2” and 230 pounds, is ranked as the 1,303rd best recruit and the 81st best tight end, according to 247sports. He is an elite receiving tight end who possesses superb speed while also having a knack for finding open holes in coverage.
“I’m an overall tight end. I can block, put my hand in the dirt and also get outside and demand one-on-one matchups with DBs (defensive backs) and linebackers,” said Sapp.
Sapp showcased his abilities as a tight end this past season after having 1,112 all-purpose yards and 17 touchdowns.
With the departure of former offensive coordinator and tight end coach Tony Elliot, Sapp said he had a good conversation with new tight end coach Kyle Richardson.
“I talked to him two days ago, so we kind of talked on the phone, just introducing ourselves. So, he is a great coach so far that I’ve seen,” said Sapp.
Before enrolling at Clemson, Sapp will finish up his senior year at Greenville High School while playing basketball for the Red Raiders, and Sadler will early enroll.
Prior to joining the Tigers, Sadler will participate in one of the most prestigious high school football events, the Under Armour All America Bowl in Orlando, Fla.
“I’m looking forward to competing against the best in the country,” Sadler said about playing in the bowl. “I mean, that’s where I’m happiest, that’s where I thrive, and I just can’t wait to do it.”
Make sure to keep an eye out for this dynamic duo as they hope to make an immediate impact on Clemson football next season.
