2006: Playing the ‘Sam’ (strong-side) position, he began the season poorly, often getting beat in pass coverage by opposing tight ends. But he improved throughout the season and was always aggressive against the run, though, sometimes overly-aggressive. ... Started 12 of 16 games after maiking a remarkably quick recovery from a torn ACL that he sustained in a game Dec. 11, 2005. ... Seventh on the team in tackles with 76 and also had a sack, an interception, and five passes defensed. ... In on 560 plays from scrimmage.

2005: Worked his way into the starting lineup by Game 13, but sustained a torn ACL in his knee and missed the rest of the season. ... Key special teams contributor, finishing second on team with 22 tackles. ... May not be ready to play early in the 2006 season because of his knee injury. ... Selected by the Green Bay Packers in the fourth round of the 2005 NFL Draft, 125th overall.

College
Shifted to left outside linebacker as a senior, garnering All-MWC first-team honors for the third consecutive year. He ranked third on the squad with a career-high 79 tackles (35 solos), adding five sacks, 12 stops for losses, five pressures and a fumble recovery. In 47 games with the Cougars, Poppinga started 25 times. He finished his career with 193 tackles (99 solos), 19 sacks for minus-120 yards, 39 stops for losses of 162 yards and nine pressures. His 19 sacks rank seventh on the school's career-record list. He also recovered five fumbles, caused four others, intercepted a pass and deflected another.

High School
All-state selection at linebacker and tight end for Evanston (Wyo.) High School … Lettered three times in football and basketball and four times in track … Named the Class 4-A lineman of the year and selected to the Wyoming Super-25 team … As a senior, he led Evanston to a 9-1 record and a 4-A state title … Finished second in the 1997 state discus competition.