LB Brian Popp talks about his future at PITT

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The University of Pittsburgh’s football walk-on program continues to improve exponentially.  The latest example of its improvement is the addition of Loveland High School (OH) linebacker Brian Popp (6-foot, 218 pounds).

“I had thought about Pitt in the past but we never had a contact,” said Popp.  “That changed about a month ago.”

“I connected with Pitt through my next door neighbor Brian Wozniak.  He played at Wisconsin and knew the staff at Pitt.  We’re hoping Brian gets picked in the NFL draft this year.  My former coach Andrew Marlatt helped as well.  He moved on to take the special team’s coordinator position at Miami (OH) University.  Coach Marlatt knows (Pitt offensive coordinator) Joe Rudolph really well.”

“Once we were in contact, they asked me to visit.  I visited Pitt about two weeks ago,” he said.  “We ate at Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse the first night and it was great.  The rest of the visit was great.  We met so many great people.  It was truly personal visit.  We met all of the academic people, the nutrition people, the strength and conditioning coaches, Coach Rudolph and (head football coach) Paul Chryst.  It was great and we made a lot of connections.”

When asked what he discussed with the Pitt coaching staff, he replied, “They said I would redshirt but they fully expect me to earn a scholarship.  I was described as a hidden gem.  I’m start off on special teams then eventually get snaps at linebacker.  They see me as a Mike or Sam linebacker in their system.”

Popp’s final decision came down to Pitt and Michigan State.  He chose Pitt due to its ‘personal touch’, family atmosphere and his relationship with the coaching staff.  Northwestern, TCU and Indiana expressed interest in Brian as well.

Popp was a three-year starter for Loveland High School.  He played both inside and outside linebacker.  At nearly 220 pounds, he’s capable of running a 4.6 forty-yard dash, bench pressing 345 pounds and squatting 485 pounds.  Brian comes from strong football bloodlines.  His father David played offensive tackle for Eastern Illinois University.  The senior Popp was eventually drafted and played for the New York Giants and Miami Dolphins.

Brian was asked to describe his strengths at the linebacker position, he stated, “I’m a very physical linebacker.  I like to play inside the box and fill holes.  I’m an intelligent player that studies a lot of film.  I like to think I have a high football IQ.  I usually am calling out the play for the defense the second I see the formation.”

Popp is an exceptional student with a solid 3.9 grade point average.   He would like to major in finance at Pitt.

Popp was named All-Conference twice, named 1st team All-SW Ohio, registered 128 tackles, 7 sacks, blocked a punt for a touchdown and recorded two ‘pick 6’ interceptions.

With the myriad of accolades Popp has accumulated on the football field, one naturally wonders why he didn’t receive more scholarship offers.  He quickly replied, “Our coach (Andrew) Marlatt, my connection with Coach Rudolph, left in October 2012.  We didn’t have a coach until June 2013.  There wasn’t a head coach in place to reach out to schools for us or invite schools to come see us on the field.  We have a few of the small local schools, but not major BCS schools.”

“I’m pleased the way the process has worked out.  I’m very excited to be a Pitt Panther.  I owe a lot people around me like my parents, brothers, girlfriend, teammates and coaches.  Their support was integral to getting me to where I’m at now.  Now it’s my turn to take advantage of this opportunity.  I plan to make an impact at Pitt.”

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