BYU linebacker plays with chip on his shoulder

[DolFan619]

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/football/pro/dolphins/sfl-54byulinebacker,0,5219276.story


BYU linebacker plays with chip on his shoulder

By Kyle Whitehead
Sun-Sentinel.com

2:29 PM EDT, May 4, 2008

DAVIE - Before last weekend's draft, linebacker Kelly Poppinga got calls from 15 different teams and visits with Seattle and the Dolphins. Then 252 players, including 30 linebackers, were picked and he wasn't one of them.

"You know what, it doesn't matter now," Poppinga said after admitting he was disappointed on draft day. "I got a great situation here with Miami and I'm just excited to keep things rolling."

The 6-1, 240-pounder out of Brigham Young talked to six teams after the draft before signing with the Dolphins, where he's working as an inside linebacker.

In Poppinga's senior season, his lone year as a starter at BYU, he recorded 113 tackles (7.5 for loss) and an interception. Draft scouts liked his speed and knowledge of the game, but say he needs to get tougher and play more physical to survive at the next level.

Poppinga's signing adds depth behind potential starters Channing Crowder, Akin Ayodele and Reggie Torbor. His present competition for a roster spot is Edmond Miles, who signed with the team as a rookie free agent out of Iowa last season, Kelvin Smith, a seventh round draft pick out of Syracuse in 2007, and fellow rookie free agent Titus Brown.

"On Friday [the first day of camp] we only had one coverage in," Poppinga said. "Now we have five coverages in … there's a lot more things coming at you."

The Wyoming native's brother Brady is a two-year starter with the Packers.

"The one thing he told me is you have to make plays," said Poppinga, a Mormon who spent two years on a mission in Ecuador before finishing out his college career. "You have to show the coaches that you're there and you're going to help them win. If you show them that, you're going to be on the team. Hopefully I've done that this weekend."

Seminole looks to land spot in secondary

The Dolphins were a natural fit for former Florida State safety Roger Williams to tryout for after he wasn't selected in last weekend's draft, or signed as a rookie free agent.

"A lot of people from Florida know who I am," said Williams, who recorded 75 tackles, one sack and one interception last season as a starter.

As the only free safety in rookie camp, he's getting more than his fair share of reps.

Williams, who often watches tape of Brian Dawkins and Ed Reed, says he is a physical defensive back, adding his strength is tackling in the open field.

Williams admitted he'll need to improve his reaction time to make it at the next level.

"Everything moves faster here," Williams said.

Dolphins coach Tony Sparano said the coaches will evaluate each practice session from this weekend's rookie minicamp early this week to determine if any of the tryout players get signed.

Only one, Carson Newman defensive tackle Anthony Toribio, has been signed to a contract so far.

[YoFuggedaboutit]

What about Abraham Wright?

[fyo]

What about Abraham Wright?

I guess we know now ;-)

http://www.thedolphinsmakemecry.com/forums/index.php?topic=10615