HOUSTON -- Defensive end Brady Poppinga has been listed as a preseason candidate for the Rotary Lombardi Award, presented annually to the top defensive lineman in the country by the Rotary Club of Houston.
Poppinga, a junior from Evanston, Wyo., led the Mountain West Conference with eight sacks as a sophomore, earning first-team All-MWC honors. The 6-3, 240-pound All-America candidate earned academic all-league honors in 2001 and 2002, and was selected by the BYU coaching staff as the top defensive lineman last season. Poppinga was credited with 49 tackles on the season, including 14 takedowns for a combined loss of 66 yards. He forced three fumbles and had three hurries in addition to his league-leading eight sacks. Poppinga was credited with a season-high three sacks in the Cougars' 34-10 win over San Diego State, helping to limit one of the nation's top-producing offenses to just 246 yards of total offense. Poppinga is the son of Dennis and Vicki Poppinga.
Voting to begin the selection process for the 34th annual Rotary Lombardi Award recipient will begin in early October, and the winner will be announced in Houston on Dec. 10.
Now in its 33rd year, the Rotary Lombardi Award continues to be the only award open to all college linemen. In addition, all proceeds from all award dinners and associated activities are contributed to the American Cancer Society to help fight the disease that claimed the life of Vince Lombardi. Since 1970, more than $2.7 million has been raised to help the American Cancer Society's programs of cancer research, public education, and direct services to cancer patients.