PROVO -- With the 2008 NFL Draft coming up on April 26-27, two former Cougars will be anxiously waiting by the phones in hopes of being offered a chance to play football at the professional level. Linebackers Bryan Kehl and Kelly Poppinga, who helped BYU capture back-to-back Mountain West Conference championships over the past two seasons, have been preparing and training for this day since the end of the 2007 season.
Following BYU's 17-16 win at the 2007 Pioneer Las Vegas Bowl last December, both Kehl and Poppinga, left for Southern California where they trained and conditioned over the next two months to improve their speed and strength. During that time, Kehl, a first-team MWC selection, had several opportunities to showcase his skills, including at the East-West Shrine Game in January and at February's NFL Combine.
"I've just been working out to try and get bigger, faster and stronger," said Kehl. "I feel like my size and strength has improved a lot just since the end of last season."
On March 12 both NFL-hopefuls returned to Provo as BYU hosted representatives from several NFL teams at its annual Pro Day. Kehl improved on his marks at the Combine in both the 40-yard dash and the vertical jump. Following the standard tests, BYU's linebackers were put through as series of drills to test flexibility and agility.
Since the Pro Day, both Kehl and Poppinga have formulated a regular practice schedule and have continued working to get better.
"I've been working out and trying to stay in football shape," said Poppinga. "Bryan and I are getting ourselves ready for training camps by lifting and conditioning four days a week. I think I've improved a ton. I learned new concepts and training techniques while living in California, which have improved my whole workout routine."
So far Poppinga has received attention from several teams, including the Seattle Seahawks and Miami Dolphins. The Wyoming native traveled to Seattle where he worked out with the team and attended interviews with coaches and personnel. He also flew down to meet with the staff in Miami.
Over the past couple of days, Poppinga has received phone calls from several teams, indicating he may be drafted in the sixth or seventh round, or be signed as an undrafted free agent. Come this weekend, he and his wife Rebekah plan on relaxing in Park City, Utah before returning to his hometown of Evanston, Wyo.
"We're going back to Evanston to get away from everyone," said Poppinga. "There, I'll just wait for that big phone call."
Similarly, Kehl plans on relaxing on Saturday. Though he's heard different predictions as to when he'll go, including as high as the third round, Kehl is just anxious to see what pans out.
"I've heard that it'll be somewhere in the middle rounds," he said. "Definitely the higher the better, but I'll just be chilling and relaxing at home, waiting until my number's called."
Both Kehl and Poppinga acknowledge the growth and experience they've gained throughout their time at BYU, and know it will continue to stay with them in the future.
"My time at BYU went too fast, that's for sure," said Kehl. "I enjoyed every day that I spent down there in Provo. The things I learned will prepare me for further stages of life, whether I play football or not."
"Without BYU I wouldn't be as far along in football knowledge," said Poppinga. "The things I've learned there through Coach Mendenhall, I will be able to use throughout the rest of my football career. He taught us to be a good person both on and off the field and to be good representatives of the Church and the Savior. Those are things I will use for the rest of my life."
Poppinga says that his maturity and passion for the game separates him from the other linebackers who are trying to make it to the next level.
"The experience of serving a mission taught me the importance of leadership and being on my own," he says. "Also the physical play, knowledge and passion for the game that I have sets me apart. I love the game of football and really do enjoy it."