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In an exclusive interview with BlackandGold.com, Brigham Young University football linebacker coach Kelly Poppinga explains why Spencer Hadley will be a good fit for Rob Ryan’s 3-4 defense.

B&G.com: Coach, we appreciate your taking the time to give us your perspective on Spencer Hadley.

Coach Poppinga: Not a problem; glad to do it.

B&G.com: Coach, do you have any direct or distant ties to the Saints or anyone on the staff?

Coach Poppinga: No, not that I’m aware of.

B&G.com: Why do you think the Saints sought to get Spencer Hadley?

Coach Poppinga: Well, Spencer was no stranger to the Saints. In fact, the Saints’ scouting department sent your people in to our facility a number of times last year. Spencer was projected to be a mid to late round pick, but he suffered a season-ending MCL injury in game #9. He missed the last 3 to 4 games. But he has since recovered completely, and had a phenomenal Pro Day. So I guess you can say that the Saints knew who Spencer was, and obviously tracked him throughout the draft. I believe he will fit well into Rob
Ryan’s 3-4 scheme.

B&G.com: What qualities about Spencer work to his advantage in making the Saints’ final 53?

Coach Poppinga: He has a high (non-stop) motor. He will chase the play down sideline to sideline. His heart for the game, passion and drive are impressive. He is also someone who has a lot of experience on special teams. For kickoff and punt coverage, Spencer was hands-down our BEST player for the past 2 years. A special attribute is his ability to change direction and cut very rapidly. This will serve him well with the fast pace of the NFL. I believe he will open the eyes of the Saints coaches when they see what he can do.


B&G.com: What is the most memorable performance you’ve seen from Spencer?

Coach Poppinga: I believe you’ll have to go back to the 2012 season vs. Utah. In that game, he was flying around and did everything. He excelled in pass coverage, plugged the lanes against the run, and even had 2-1/2 sacks. That game was his “coming out party.” He hasn’t looked back ever since.

B&G.com: Is Spencer likely to get involved in community outreach? If so, what?

Coach Poppinga: He’s doing a great job here. He’s an active part in the BYU student athletes outreach to community schools. He serves in a variety of church and youth volunteer efforts. He really has a vision and passion for helping young men to develop into responsible adults.

B&G.com: What one or two things do you believe differentiates Spencer from others whose performance tails off after a while?

Coach Poppinga: Unquestionably, it would be Spencer’s work ethic. He grew up on a ranch in Eastern Washington state. His tasks included shearing sheep, raising cattle, moving equipment, and a multitude of jobs that are a part of the farming industry. He did many of these tasks by getting up at 4 AM before going to school. In my opinion, Spencer is “one tough sucker!” He has been through tough times, and has learned to apply life experiences properly in becoming the fine young man that he is.

B&G.com: What type of player is Spencer on the sidelines, in the locker room and in the game?

Coach Poppinga: He is definitely vocal! He fires the team up, and will raise his arms up & down to get the crowd into it. He plays with passion in every way.

B&G.com: Where do you expect to see Spencer this season: Saints’ practice squad, final 53?

Coach Poppinga: This is a great situation for Spencer. I believe his special teams experience (and play) sets him apart from any other rookie coming to the Saints this year. Not only that, but he is an outside linebacker that can and will get the job done. In my opinion, Spencer will make the Saints’ team this year.

B&G.com: Did Spencer have a parent, sibling or adult that served as a special mentor?

Coach Poppinga: Both of his parents have a special relationship with him. His upbringing is a very solid foundation that helped shape him into the man that he is today. The ethics instilled in him, as well as his involvement in his family (ranch/farm) business are invaluable.

B&G.com: Coach, do you have anything else you’d like to share about Spencer Hadley?

Coach Poppinga: I only want to reemphasize that he will be unlike any player coming into camp (in a good way). His relentless pursuit, non-stop motor and passion for the game will set him apart in the next few months. I’m excited for him, and will be pulling for him to make the final roster.

Coach Poppinga, on behalf of the WhoDat Nation and Saints fans everywhere, thank you for your time and perspective on Spencer Hadley. All the best to the BYU Cougars this year.

Coach Poppinga: It was my pleasure. Go Saints!

Seer1

Yeah, but can he coach special teams?

Halo

Awesome interview.

iceshack149

Good job.
Thanks!

exile

Great read. Hadley has a good chance.

WhoDat!656

"He grew up on a ranch in Eastern Washington state. His tasks included shearing sheep, rustling cattle, moving equipment, and a multitude of jobs that are a part of the farming industry."

Isn't cattle rustling a crime?

Stealthman

Read it again, WhoDat656.

foreverfan

2014 Draft: How does UDFA Spencer Hadley fit in with the Saints?



The Outlook:

With the need of quality linebackers for the Saints front seven, all the linebackers will be looked at and evaluated to see if, and where, they fit in the system. Last year Dawson, Lofton, and Galette were tabbed as starters, so we will give them the benefit of the doubt and keep their spots safe. The rest of the spots appear to be open for competition. This is good news for Hadley as he will need to pick things up quickly in order to make an impression on the coaches. Because he is an older rookie, he will need to hit the ground running so that coaches are willing to take a chance on him.

With Hadley's physical style and aggressive nature, he could make an immediate impression on the coaches. It may be that he will need to work his way through the special teams before finding himself in the running for a back up position on the defense. Based on his previous play, he will try to be the first one downfield to make the special teams tackle. He will lay himself out to make the play, and isn't scared of giving up his body in the process.

Being an older rookie, his age and maturity may help with any off the field concerns. With less off field concerns on his plate, he will have the chance to focus on his on field play and how to improve the weaknesses that the coaches see. The Coaches will also have less worry as they try to see which personalities will conflict and with Hadley's LDS mission experience, he has learned to live with numerous personality differences.

When all this is taken into account, Hadley has a good chance of making the roster. Talent will prevail in the NFL so he will need to work hard on earning his spot and developing his skills. He may never be the starter he would like to be, but he can develop into a quality backup that can earn time on the field.

2019 Death of a Parrot.

Marlboro Man

Only if it's someone else's cattler

Marlboro Man

What I like about all of this is that coach P is doing the same thing he did with the CB position when he first got here. I call it the shotgun approach, where you grab a bunch of guys, throw em in there and see who comes out on top and see if you can improve on what you already have. Worked with Porter and Greer, then we had a couple goof balls in Robinson and White so now we've done it again there and now at the LB position. I think it works great.