Darryl Tapp was a three-sport athlete at Deep Creek High School in Deep Creek, Virginia. He was a member of the basketball and track team in addition to playing football. As a junior Tapp recorded 8 sacks and helped his team to a state championship appearance. He was named first team all-district that season. As a senior Tapp racked up 89 tackles and a school record 15 sacks while leading his team to the regional championship game. Darryl was named first team all-district and all-region his final year in high school. In Tapp’s three years on the varsity football team, Deep Creek had a record of 34 wins and just 4 losses. Upon graduation Tapp accepted a scholarship to play at Virginia Tech. As a freshman in 2002, Tapp saw time as a reserve defensive end and also contributed on the special teams unit. The following spring Tapp was considered to be the teams’ top performer on the defensive side of the ball. He set a school record for defensive ends with a 660 pound back squat. He saw more playing time early on in the year and earned a starting position by mid-season. Tapp finished the season with 58 tackles and 3 sacks to his credit. In the spring of 2004, Tapp missed a portion of the spring practices with a bruised clavicle but he rebounded and earned the President’s award for leadership by the end of the spring. His junior season was a breakout year for Tapp. He recorded 60 tackles 8 ½ sacks and picked off one pass on his way to first team All-ACC honors. By the beginning of his senior year, Darryl Tapp was considered to be one of the better defensive ends in the nation. He did not disappoint in his final season as a Hokie, totaling 45 tackles and 10 sacks on the year. Darryl Tapp leaves Virginia Tech as one of the most productive defensive ends in the nation and one of the top prospects available at the position in the 2006 NFL draft.

The Virginia Tech 2005 defensive team captain Darryl Tapp is an excellent leader both on and off the field. He lacks ideal size for the defensive end position, but he got where he is today by a work ethic that is unmatched. He was always a top performer not only in games, but in practice as well and he is always striving for continuous improvement. He has a quick first step, which allows him to beat most offensive linemen off the snap and he always seems to be around the football. His great instincts and non-stop motor have made him one of the most productive defensive ends in the nation over the past three years. He is a an above average run defender who displays good technique and solid tacking ability. He has proven to be an effective pass rusher with 22 career sacks over the past three seasons however he lacks great closing speed getting to the quarterback. He doesn’t always matchup well physically against larger offensive tackles, but he is a smart player who uses leverage to his advantage. He has the ability to contribute on special teams as well as the defensive side of the ball. At 6-1, Darryl Tapp lacks the ideal height of a defensive end and at 265 pounds he is undersized to fit in as a defensive tackle. He could bulk up some and move inside if he doesn’t work out at end or he could move to outside linebacker in a 3-4 defensive scheme. A team will find a spot for Tapp on their defense and he will find himself drafted on the first day of the 2006 NFL draft.