Gerome Sapp
Safety, UFA
Numbers: 6'1, 216 pounds, 26 years old
NFL Experience: Starting his 5th season
Has played for: Ravens (drafted sixth-round '03), Colts ('04-'05),
Ravens ('06)
Career Stats: 48 tackles on defense, 71 special teams tackles, 2
passes defended, 1 special teams FF in 58 games (3 starts)
2006 Stats: 12 tackles on defense, 10 special teams tackles, 2 passes
defended, 1 special teams FF in 15 games (1 start)
 |
| Gerome Sapp is congratulated by Ray Lewis after forcing a fumble (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren) |
The Buzz: Sapp built a reputation in past seasons as a special teams
ace, credited with 44 special teams tackles during his two years with the Colts
... Was more active as a defensive back this year for the Ravens in their dime
package ... focused, intelligent player who learns quickly ... “There’s no
one on this team that every play is hustling more than Gerome Sapp.” -- Ravens
head coach Brian Billick ... “He’s a smart kid. He’s tough. He’ll tackle
and he’s pretty dependable. Those are pretty good attributes to have.” --
Ravens defensive coordinator Rex Ryan ... "Basically, he’s a tough guy
who can run, knows what he’s supposed to do and he’s eager to learn.” --
Ravens safety Ed Reed ... ""He's learned the defense, he knows the
defense, and he understands what we're trying to get done. He's been nothing but
professional. What a great guy to have in your meeting room." -- Ravens
secondary coach Dennis Thurman.
Noteworthy: Was traded by the Colts back to Baltimore prior to the 2007
season in exchange for a 2007 conditional draft pick ... Majored in finance at
Notre Dame and has participated in the NFL Business Management and
Entrepreneurial Program at the Harvard Business School .... Works with the
Tragedy
Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), hosting families who have lost
loved ones through military service at Colts and Ravens games, as well as
providing financial support to the organization. "...whether hosting the
kid brother of an area soldier killed in action, arranging a day at the game for
area surviving families or meeting personally with the TAPS children, Gerome has
been there for us," said TAPS founder and chairman Bonnie Carroll.
He said it to Scout.com...
"I have a role in the dime package there. Rex Ryan is a defensive
mastermind, so they create packages just to get me in there at free
safety."
"I'm just a smart player. I think I study well, I retain information well,
and the information I retain, I can retain in the fire on the field when it
matters."
Check back Sunday afternoon for our exclusive interview with Gerome Sapp!