CLEMSON – Clemson tight end Josh Sapp spoke to the media earlier this week to look back at the Georgia Tech game and look forward to the North Carolina game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.

Here is what we heard from Sapp.

–With veteran tight end Sage Ennis out for the season with a torn ACL, it will be up to Sapp file in for the injured Ennis. Sapp was asked about his readiness to step up to the plate in crunch time. “Most definitely. They’ve been helping prepare me, the coaches, Sage and Jake [Briningstool] this whole season, so I know I’m ready.”

— Sapp’s father Patrick was a starting quarterback and outside linebacker for the Clemson Tigers from 1992-’95. Josh was also a chameleon when it came to playing a multitude of different positions. “I played everything growing up. I started out playing quarterback, then a little bit of defense, linebacker, and wide receiver. Then they started putting me at that tight end position in high school, so I took it seriously, worked at the blocking part, route running part, and took advantage of it.”

–Tight end seems to be the perfect fit for the redshirt freshman, and he is already making traction on the field. Sapp recorded his second touchdown reception of the season on a 13-yard pass from quarterback Cade Klubnik in the win over Georgia tech. Though the 2023 season has not lived up to expectations, leaders like Klubnik have been a rock for players like Sapp. “Cade is a great leader, through all the bad and all the good. He’s kept our heads up.”

–The physicality of blocking at tight end is a game of its own. Sapp gave some insight into what he has learned during his time in the tight end room, and under the mentorship of Kyle Richardson, Clemson’s passing game coordinator and tight ends coach. “You just have to bring it. Those defensive guys are trying to hit you as well, so you have to bring it to them, that’s what Coach Rich always tells us in the tight end room. Be the most physical, knowledgeable, man out there on the field.”

We have just added a new special to our store. Get the Two Pack of signed footballs from Clemson’s 2022 and 2023 classes and save $75. Thanks for your support of Clemson football.