Redshirt sophomore Riley Van Poppel is stepping confidently into a leadership role on Nebraska’s defensive line this spring, embodying the mantra of new position coach Terry Bradden: “Energy is contagious.”
Bradden, hired this offseason, has already made a strong impression on Van Poppel.
“He lights up the room, he puts a smile on your face, and then he gets you ready to go,” Van Poppel said during Tuesday’s media availability. “Whether that’s in the film room, and it’s a meeting, or we’re out on the field.”
Van Poppel matched Bradden’s energy at the podium, speaking with confidence and positivity for 12 minutes. He’s now part of a core group vying to replace departing starters Ty Robinson, Nash Hutmacher, and Jimari Butler — three key losses up front for the Huskers.
Van Poppel, who played in 11 games as a true freshman before redshirting last season, isn’t fazed by external speculation about the defensive line’s readiness.
“People can say what they want about us, they can doubt us, they can praise us. But we’re not going to let it affect what we do,” he said. “Yeah, we lost three starters… but every team loses people.”
Returning talent includes Keona Davis, Cameron Lenhardt, and Elijah Jeudy, while transfers like Williams Nwaneri, Jaylen George, and Gabe Moore add to a competitive position room.
“I think there are some guys that have solidified themselves as probably front-line players,” said defensive coordinator John Butler, who emphasized the importance of building depth. “It’s a work in progress.”
For Van Poppel, stepping into a bigger role also means embracing leadership — something he says he’s ready for.
“I want to be one of those guys the team can count on as a person and as a player, that when the lights are the brightest, I can go out there and make a play,” he said. “But I don’t say that selfishly. I want the whole team around me.”
A native of Argyle, Texas, Van Poppel was once a standout baseball player like his father Todd Van Poppel, a former MLB pitcher and first-round pick in the 1990 draft. Though Riley played both sports growing up, he eventually committed to football.
“My dad always said there’s a time where you’re going to have to choose one,” he said. “I chose football.”
Now wearing jersey No. 44, Van Poppel hopes to follow in the footsteps of team leaders like Robinson — and perhaps earn a coveted single-digit jersey down the line.
“I’m very confident in us,” he said. “We have depth. We have talent, and we have energy. It’s fun.”
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