Hoppel, Braxton signed by Browns

By John Bassetti

They will report to mini-camp on Thursday in Berea.

Adam Hoppel has the background of a football player, wrestler and calf roper.

As a member of a farm family, Hoppel was no stranger to hard work while growing up and attending Beaver Local High School.

The one-time high school state wrestling champion at 215 pounds played at the University of Cincinnati before graduating in December.

On Sunday night, the 23-year-old signed a free agent contract with the Cleveland Browns following the weekend’s NFL draft.

“I had some people saying they wanted to give me tryouts, but when the Browns said wanted me as a free agent, I signed,” said Hoppel.

After signing, Hoppel heard from the Jacksonville Jaguars.

“They said they might try me as a free agent, but I had already signed,” Adam said of a call later Sunday night. “The Jags said they would have been interested in me, but it was too late. But I think that Cleveland is a better spot for me.”

Former Ursuline High standout Branndon Braxton also reports to the Browns’ mini-camp on Thursday.

Braxton signed as a priority free agent, being offered a contract immediately after the 7th round ended.

Hoppel, who was a defensive tackle at Cincinnati, is expected to be tried at nose guard.

“With any position on the defensive line, you have to use the same technique, so it’s not that big of a change,” said Hoppel, who admitted that some adjustment will be necessary.

“I’ll have the two-gap responsibility instead of one. That’s a change,” he said of coverage requirements on both sides of the center.

In addition to his natural strength, Hoppel said the Browns liked his balance.

At 6-foot-1, 300 pounds, he’s suitable for the position.

Hoppel said his signing was facilitated by his relationship with Beaver Local defensive coordinator Doug Velasquez, who had ties to Cleveland.

In college, Hoppel started during the last half of his sophomore season, then every game for the next two years. Injuries kept him out of two games during that period.

A highlight at Cincinnati was the Big East championship in 2008 and an Orange Bowl appearance against Virginia Tech.

The Bearcats ended 11-3 after their Orange Bowl loss.

Hoppel, who will turn 24 on May 30, said his decision to attend Cincinnati was a good one.

“I’m real happy about my college career,” said Hoppel, whose first three seasons were under Mark Dantonio, followed by the final two under Brian Kelly.

Former Ursuline and YSU player Pat Narduzzi was Cincinnati’s defensive coordinator during Hoppel’s first three seasons.

He thinks Cleveland was impressed with his wrestling background as a high school state champion and runner-up at 215 as a sophomore and junior, respectively, then a runner-up his senior year at heavyweight.

Adam, the son of Carl and Patty Hoppel, has older brothers Doug and Todd, who were also wrestlers.

He also has an older sister, Sunny.

The Lisbon family stages Hoppel’s Rodeo, an annual event.

Adam said he never participated in rodeo riding because he didn’t want to risk injury that might affect his athletic careers.

“I always wanted to play pro football, but a lot of people said I didn’t have a shot, but I always felt that I did.”

Adam feels good about his current situation.

“I feel like I’m prepared. I’ve played against some of the best lines in the nation already, so I think I’ll be ready.”

David Irons Sr., owner of Georgia Training Alliance, Inc., said that Braxton has a great chance to make the team.

Irons was told Cleveland would take 12 offensive linemen to camp and keep seven. Braxton is the only free agent tackle being brought in.

Braxton also attended the University of Oklahoma.

“He’s ready,” said Irons. “Whatever happened at Oklahoma, he’s past that. He displayed that in his work ethic in my gym.”

Dallas, New Orleans, Tampa Bay and Chicago were among other teams inquiring about Braxton’s availability Sunday night and Monday.

“To be in that mix of offensive linemen among the few drafted is pretty good,” Irons said.

He said that, at 6-6 and with long arms, Braxton is an excellent reach blocker.

“He’ll get his hands on you before you get your hands on him,” Irons said. “Developing his strength and run-blocking skills are what he needs to continue to work on.

“He has great hands patience,” Irons said, explaining that Braxton won’t panic after seeing a defensive lineman’s first move.

“I give him a 95 percent change of making that squad.

bassetti@vindy.com