Yorkville’s James Sapp Jr.: A Rising Star in High School Football

James Sapp Jr. began his football journey later than some, but the senior tackle is making significant strides for Yorkville. At 6-foot-2 and 240 pounds, Sapp is a commanding presence on the Foxes’ defensive line. “I can play any position on the line, though I’m usually a tackle due to my size,” Sapp explained. He has also played defensive end, where he enjoys the one-on-one challenges.

Sapp moved from Chicago at age three, starting football in eighth grade since his parents were unaware of local youth programs. Besides football, he participates in basketball and track, specializing in shot put and discus, where he qualified for state in the discus last spring.

Sapp prioritizes football over his other sports. This was evident in a recent game against Oswego, despite a 44-21 loss. Sapp recorded a season-high 13 tackles, four of which were for a loss, along with a sack. These efforts contribute to his 35 tackles for the season with the Foxes at 3-3.

“He’s quite athletic for his size,” remarked Yorkville coach Dan McGuire, noting Sapp’s impressive speed of 4.8 seconds in the 40-yard dash. Sapp’s blocking is an asset in the run game, and although he hasn’t caught a pass yet, McGuire is optimistic about his offensive impact.

Last season, Sapp achieved 48 tackles and is likely to exceed that this year. Yorkville’s upcoming games will determine his final tally. Assistant coach Todd Groth attributes Sapp’s progress to his involvement in multiple sports, saying, “You can see his growth. He’s working hard and is detail-oriented.”

Sapp’s progress is supported by dedication to strength training. He recently set a personal record with a 550-pound deadlift. “Lifting in high school was a commitment,” Sapp said, emphasizing how it enhances his on-field performance. With NCAA Division II and III offers, Sapp remains focused on collegiate football and boasts a 4.33 GPA. His ambition is clear: “Making it to college on a scholarship and trying for the NFL is my dream. Construction management is my backup plan if needed.”