(Editor’s Note: Former Bamberg-Ehrhardt and Clemson Tigers star defensive end Ricky Sapp is in Boca Raton, Fla., training at XPE Sports in preparation for the 2010 NFL Draft. The diary of Ricky Sapp, who is projected to be a first-round draft pick, will appear in The T&D each Sunday through the NFL Draft.)

As each week flies by I am getting closer and closer to the combine which is at the end of this month. Workouts are becoming extremely intense and harder. But, the biggest adjustment for me this week was waking up earlier than I had in previous weeks. Now, as a daily routine, I wake up at 6 a.m. If you know me then you know the problem with this. If you don’t know, let me tell you … I AM NOT A MORNING PERSON at all! During my Clemson days I struggled most mornings getting up. So ... to get me through the morning, when I woke up, I would turn on my favorite Smokie Norful song, “I Need You Now.” That song got me through so many matt drills, early morning workouts; it got me through so many days when I just couldn’t find the energy to get out of the bed. So with that said, this week was a rough week, but yet still a great week. But, every week is a great week, because I am extremely blessed to even be in this situation. We started doing different drills this week, drills kind of like the drills from the combine. I know the goal I am trying to reach, and I will reach it. So, that is the motivation that wakes me up at 6 a.m.

Chasing a Degree

I am not going to have the chance to graduate in May with my fellow classmates, but that does not mean I am giving up on my degree. I have every intention to get my degree in August. So, to get closer to that goal, I am taking a Physical Science online class right now. I am trying to take as many hours as I can to get closer to getting my degree.

Listening to

This week I kind of got attached to this song by a girl named MILEY CYRUS. LOL. “Party in the USA.” I am not ashamed to say, I listened to that song and kind of like it.

Ask Ricky

Question: What will it be like for you to face C.J. Spiller in the NFL? Do you think you can stop him? Drew Tripp, Walterboro.

Sapp Says: C.J Spiller is without a doubt the best player I have ever played with, and is a great person off the field as well. In preparation to play against him I would prepare extra for our competition against each other. It would be kind of weird at first, but it’s our job. We would have to put our personal lives aside for 48 minutes. But, I think I would be able to handle him.

(Want to ask Ricky Sapp a question as he prepares for the 2010 NFL Draft? Readers are encouraged to submit questions for the “Ask Ricky” section of Sapp’s diary each week to blinder@timesanddemocrat.com. Make sure to include your first and last name as well as your location when submitting the question. Each week, the best question will be passed along for Sapp to answer.)

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