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ITG Legacy: Dontavis Sapp

ITG Legacy Athlete: Dontavis Sapp

A famed success-story from Valdosta’s decorated history, Dontavis Sapp has seen it all in the world of football. From being a Valdosta Wildcat, to Tennessee Volunteer, to Dallas Cowboy, and then winding up back in Valdosta, Sapp undoubtably has a story to tell. While it isn’t one without shortcomings and mistakes, Sapp hopes that his experiences can inform and inspire current student-athletes aspiring to play at the next level.

In the Game: Give us a summary of your athletic career, from your youth to today.Dontavis Sapp: I was born and raised in Wildcat country, Valdosta, Ga. Growing up I enjoyed playing football and baseball at Pinevale Youth Center. I later went to Valdosta High School where I played WR/SS on the gridiron and SF on the hardwood. I later accepted a scholarship to the University of Tennessee to play football. I went through training camp with the Dallas Cowboys in 2014 and the Toronto Argonauts of the CFL in 2015. 

ITG: What is your proudest moment/favorite memory from your high school career? 

DS: My proudest moment was the entire athletic experience in high school in South Georgia where football is a way of life.


ITGDo you still keep in touch with your teammates from high school? If so, which ones?

DS: I am still good friends with plenty of the guys that I played with in high school. Some of those include Jay Rome and Malcolm Mitchell of the Georgia Bulldogs, and Jermaine “Freak” Holmes and Cameron Venus playing basketball at Edward Waters in Jacksonville, FL.

ITG: What do you remember about the recruiting process from high school to college? Is there any advice you would give to someone in the midst of it or about to enter into it?

DS: The recruiting process can be hectic and overwhelming. The advice I will give to high school players is to enjoy the process. Don’t lose sight that you are still in high school and to have fun through it all. The draft process can be much of the same. 

ITG: How would you advise student-athletes on how to choose which college to attend?

DS: Choose the college that’s right for YOU. Do not pick a school based on your favorite team or what others around you may like. At the end of the day it’s your decision and you have to live with it. 

ITG: What are the main differences, in your opinion, between being a student-athlete in high school and being a student-athlete in college?

DS: The difference between high school and college is the maturity level. There are not any parents to look over your shoulder and often you will not know most of the people at the school you attend. Be open to new experiences and change. 

ITG: Which have you enjoyed most? Playing as a kid, in high school, college, or the pros? Why?

DS: Most of all I have enjoyed the relationships I’ve built with guys I have played with. You will always have memories with people that you grind and struggle with on and off the field, and they will become some of your best friends.

ITG: If you could give any advice, tips, or encouragement to any high school student-athletes that are aspiring to play at the next level, what would that be? 

DS: Set goals and do whatever it takes to achieve them. Nothing is too far-fetched. Players overcome so many circumstances because they refused to yield because of their situations. If one person can make it, there is no reason why you can’t NO EXCUSES!!

Which former ITG athlete would you would like to hear from? What would you ask them, if given the chance? Please send those suggestions to news@inthegamemagazine.com for your chance to make that wish a reality!

 

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