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2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Marshall Poppenhusen, OL, Southern Arkansas University

Marshall Poppenhusen the standout offensive lineman from Southern Arkansas University recently sat down with NFL Draft Diamonds scout Justin Berendzen.
Marshall Poppenhusen the standout offensive lineman from Southern Arkansas University recently sat down with NFL Draft Diamonds scout Justin Berendzen.
  • Name: Marshall Poppenhusen
  • Position: OL
  • College: Southern Arkansas University
  • Height: 6’3″
  • Weight: 315 lbs
  • Twitter: @M68Pop
  • Instagram: @m68pop

What made you decide you wanted to be a football player?

I decided to try out playing football in the 7th grade. At first I wasn’t really sure what I was getting myself into, but after playing for a season and watching college and professional football, I discovered my passion for the game. Since then, I wanted to be a football player, and I haven’t looked back ever since.

What are your favorite moments from your football life?

My favorite moment from football would have to be winning the Texas high school state championship, going 15-0 during my senior season at Cy-Fair. It was the first title in the school’s 75 year history after Hurricane Harvey had devastated the city a few months before, so it was pretty special to give Cypress a season to be proud of. Another moment that stands out is beating Harding University the 2nd game of my true freshman season in 2018. They were the 7th ranked team in the country, and my first meaningful collegiate experience came when I was put into the game down multiple scores in the second half. We came back to win 28-23, beating them at their house for the first time in 15 years.

What are you looking to achieve as a football player going forward?

It’s been my goal since I began playing football to continue playing the game past college. Every day I am working toward not just fulfilling that goal, but to achieve excellence in everything that I do, and to be an impact player on the field.

If you could hang out with any football player past or present for a day who and why?

If I had to pick it would be JJ Watt. Even though he’s a defensive lineman, he was always my favorite player to watch growing up and was a great role model for me to look up to.

Which one of your family members inspires you the most and why?

My parents. They always do their best to show my siblings and I how to live the right way and I’ve learned so many things from them over the years. They’ve given me nothing but the utmost love and support during my football journey and my life as a whole, and I couldn’t be more grateful.

What is your favorite offensive scheme and why?

Any scheme that emphasizes running the rock. I take a lot of pride in bringing a physical presence to the football field and being someone the team can lean on when they need it most. But I’ve played in a handful of different schemes in my career, so I can quickly adapt to whatever scheme necessary.

What should we know about Marshall Poppenhusen the person?

As a person, I love to mess around and have a good time with friends, but when it’s time to come to work and be serious, I’m all hands on deck. As a teammate, I will do anything for the man standing next to me, and I want them to know that I will always have their back, no matter what. I’m also the type of person to lead by example, but I’m always willing to give out advice to younger athletes too, as my leaders have done for me.

What stands out about your film the most?

My ability to move the line of scrimmage and my desire to punish and finish defenders into the ground is what stands out the most about my tape. I play well in space and can perform pull blocks, run outside zone and screens effectively as well.

How do you handle challenges both in life and on the football field?

I’ve learned to have a short memory and understand that you can’t always control every aspect of your life, and that’s okay. As long as you give everything and everyone your best, things tend to work out fine. I carry the same mindset into football, I just give the game everything I have to offer, one play at a time, and let the cards fall where they may.

What would a team get in a player like you?

They would get a player who loves his teammates and would do anything in his power to help the team win. They would get a road grader in the run game and a rock in the passing game. A team would also get a very experienced player with 41 collegiate games played.

What do you love the most about the game of football?

The camaraderie that comes with being in the same locker room with all your teammates and coaches all focused on the same goal. There won’t be another experience like that in my life so I cherish every minute of it.

Who is the most underrated player you’ve played with and why?

Austin Patricia. He’s been our starting right tackle since day 1 as a true freshman. He just shows up, shuts down the best edge rushers in the conference, has been a crucial part of our run game, and I still don’t think he gets enough credit for what he’s been able to do the last 5 years.

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