25 former college football players destined to be future head coaches

10. Warren Sapp, former Miami defensive tackle

Before Aaron Donald became the most dominant defensive tackle in football, even before Ndamukong Suh was one of the dominant tackles in the game, there was Warren Sapp. Sapp represented a shift in the role of a defensive tackle.

Most interior linemen had the thankless job of eating space and keeping linebackers clean in the running game. With the exception of tackles like John Randle, interior linemen who were skilled pass rushers were few and far between.

When Warren Sapp was recruited by Jimmy Johnson to come to Miami, Sapp was a tight end primarily in high school. Sapp was not the biggest but Johnson valued speed more than size. Johnson also knew that the shortest way to the quarterback was up the middle, not around the end.

Sapp continued his dominance while at Tampa Bay. Cover two is not a blitz-heavy defense, so it was paramount that the line gets pressure. That means pressure up the middle. Sapp was perfect for that defense.

In addition to being one of the best defensive players in the history of football, Sapp would be a master motivator with a deep understanding of the game. Sapp is one of the few players in history that was naturally gifted but placed lots of emphasis on preparation.

Playing during the heyday of “The U,” Sapp would emphasize player leadership, teamwork and physicality.