Lakeland’s defense is about to look a lot different this fall.
Drew Sapp, the Colorado commit and one of Florida’s top defensive line prospects, confirmed Friday that a torn ACL in practice will keep him out for his senior season. The 6-foot-3, 250-pound defensive end said the injury happened just a week before Lakeland was set to open the year.
Sapp said the plan is for him to have surgery on July 31, with Dr. Kenton Panas handling the procedure. Panas specializes in ACL recovery and is affiliated with the Trench Academy, where Sapp trains.
“We have a great plan in place and so I know I'm in great hands,” Sapp said.
The injury came during what Sapp called a freak accident. “It was a normal talking drill and I got rolled up on,” he said.
“We went live a few plays later and I knew something was wrong. I went to the team’s chiropractor, got X-rays and was doing therapy throughout the week.
I was supposed to come back (Friday) to practice and my dad said, ‘Let’s go get an MRI just to check everything out to be clear.’ That’s when the MRI showed the tear.
“It’s heartbreaking to miss my final year of high school football,” Sapp said, “but this setback isn’t going to change my future or my mindset, That’s always been my most powerful skill: my mentality.”
Before the injury, Sapp was expected to be a major force for a Lakeland team with big ambitions. He was set to pair with edge rusher Santana Harvey to give the Dreadnaughts one of the state’s most dangerous pass-rushing combinations.
Sapp, ranked No. 114 at his position in Florida by Rivals, helped Lakeland go 12-3 last season and reach the Class 5A state championship game. The Dreadnaughts fell to St. Thomas Aquinas, 29-0, but the program still owns nine state titles.
Even with the setback, Colorado’s message to Sapp has stayed the same. He said the coaching staff has told him his scholarship and enrollment plans remain intact.
“(Defensive Ends) Coach (George) Helow, Coach (Johnnie) Mack, Director of Player Personnel) Darrius Darden-Box, and the whole recruiting class of 2027 has reached out to me with prayers and support,” he said, “and, even some of the players on the team.
“They’ve reassured me that nothing has changed and that the plan is still for me to graduate (Lakeland) early in December and report to Colorado in January, so I can be fully ready for next season.”
For now, Sapp says his focus is on rehab, strength work and staying locked in with his teammates. “I’m focused on what I can control,” he said. “I'm already back in the gym, getting stronger before surgery and I’m committed to attacking my rehab every single day.
“Even though I won’t be able to play this season, I’ll be with my Lakeland teammates every step of the way as a leader and supporter while we chase a state championship. I’ve never missed a state championship and don’t intend to now.”
Lakeland, ranked No. 15 in the High School on SI Florida Football Preseason Top 25, opens with a preseason Kickoff Classic against defending Class 6A state runner-up West Broward on Thursday, Aug. 13.
The Dreadnaughts then begin the regular season at crosstown rival Kathleen on Friday, Aug. 21.
The schedule doesn’t get any easier after that. Lakeland is set to face Venice, Kissimmee Osceola, defending Class 4A state champion American Heritage Plantation and The First Academy, among others.
Sapp isn’t backing away from the challenge, even if he’s doing it from the sideline. “I believe everything happens for a reason; just don’t understand the 'why' or 'why now,' but I’ll come back bigger, stronger and better because of this.
“I appreciate all the prayers and support. We are staying positive and giving it to God’s plan.”
He’ll be on the Lakeland sideline this fall, still part of the push for another championship before heading to Colorado in January.
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