2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Benny Sapp III, DB, University of Northern Iowa

• Name: Benny Sapp III
• Position: Defensive Back
• College: University of Northern Iowa
• Height: 6’0
• Weight: 205 lbs
• Twitter: @Bennysappiii
• Instagram: Benny.Sapp.iii

What makes you a top prospect at your position  in the 2023 NFL Draft? 

It would be my versatility, being able to play in the box and how I strike my opponents and by being able to intercept the ball in the post or in my zone drops very well.  Also my IQ and preparation for each week, along with my coverage skills in man coverage. 

At what age were you first interested in the sport of football?

Age of 5

What is one thing that NFL teams should know about you? 

I’m very energetic and passionate about the game. I’m a hard worker and will push my teammates to become the best version of themselves 

If you could donate to one cause in the world, what would it be? 

Breast Cancer, due to losing loved ones from it. 

What is the best advice you have ever received? 

The best advice I received was from my father, he always told me this saying that goes by “no excuses”. This was the best advice for me growing up because I learned at a young age that you have to take full responsibility of your actions and to not blame other people for your mistakes. 

Who was your childhood hero? 

It might sound cliche but it’s the truth, my Father Benny Sapp Jr. He’s my childhood hero because he got to live out a dream that every little kid that loves football, which was to play in the NFL. Along with playing 8 years in the NFL. Having him as my dad and not being a pushy parent that forces their kid to play ball is the best thing you can ask for as a child. Because he let me find the love of the game on my own and helped me become the person who I am today 

Who is the most underrated teammate in your locker room at your school? 

Quan Hampton, Dom Williams, Jevon Brekke, Devin Rice, Caden Houghtelling, Korby Sanders, Spencer Cuvelier, Bryce Flater and Sam Schnee

  Also guys that will be playing a lot more this year Edwin Dearman and Demarcus Governor

What is your biggest pet peeve? 

Cutting around the bush, I’m a real stand up guy and I’m  very reasonable so being honest no matter if it’s good or bad you will gain respect from me by doing so. 

Overcoming adversity is what defines character, what was the hardest moment in your life to overcome? 

The hardest moment in my life was transferring, due to losing my confidence at the time.  But  I overcame it by not letting the circumstances get to me and I just put my faith in the man above and let him do his magic. 

Tell me something about your school and why it is so special to you?

The University of Northern Iowa is a school of opportunities not only in athletics but in the academic area as well. They help you reach the man that you envision yourself to be when you graduate, which is  why it is so special to me by giving me a second chance to present myself to the world. 

What is your favorite snack food? 

Grandma’s Oatmeal Pie 

What is the best part of football? 

Looking over at your brother in the heat of the battle and knowing that he has your back just as much as you have his. 

If you could sell yourself in one sentence what would you say? 

I’m an energetic person that loves to help my peers reach their maximum potential by leading by example. 

If you could compare your play to one player in the NFL who would it be? 

I would compare my play to Johnathan Abram due how he strikes his opponent during the moment of attack. Also due to how he expresses his passion and energy on the field every week. 

If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive, who would it be and why?

Lebron James, Ed Reed and Tom Brady. The reason why is because Lebron James mentality on and off the court is like no other and is arguably one of the best athletes to ever step on the planet, I’ll like to ask him what drives him to continue to be better each and every day so I can use it and put it into my game. I would also like to meet with Ed Reed. I chose him because of the way he manipulates the quarterback to throw him the ball. Therefore I would like to ask him how he prepares himself in the film room so that I can use his tactics when I study my opponent. Lastly, Tom Brady, I would like to ask him how he prepares his body each year due to being able to play in the NFL for over 20 years. I would also like to ask him who are his top 3 reads on the defense, which is most likely one of the safeties in certain calls so that I can hold my disguise better