TODAY’S PLAYERS FOR INTERVIEW JUNIOR SENIOR LINEBACKER JOSH POPLAR DEFENSIVE END TIM COLLINS 6-0 | 220 | KNOXVILLE, TENN. | KNOXVILLE CENTRAL 6-5 | 250 | BIRMINGHAM, ALA. | RESTORATION ACADEMY 2017 (Medical redshirt): Poplar missed the 2017 season after experiencing a stroke, which 2017 (Junior): Collins continued his growth and became one of Tech’s top defensive players in led to the discovery of a hole in his heart. The issue was corrected and Poplar continued to work the 2017 campaign. Playing in all 11 games, he collected 51 total tackles, including 14 solo and 37 with the team in a leadership role during his recovery. He returned to full practice in the spring assisted, as well as five for-loss for six yards. He also had six QB hurries, a forced fumble and a and looks to return to form in 2018. fumble recovery. 2016 (Sophomore): Poplar had a breakout season for the Golden Eagles, becoming the team’s 2016 (Sophomore): Collins had a fantastic season for the Golden Eagles in 2016 as he played leading tackler as he recorded 105 total tackles -- 40 solo and 65 unassisted. He also broke up in all 11 games and was a force for the Tech defense. In all, Collins had 33 total tackles -- sixteen a pass and recovered three fumbles for eight yards and forced two. One of those fumbles recov- solo and 17 assisted, as well as 6.5 for-loss for 27 yards. He also recorded four sacks for 22 ered was for a touchdown against Mercer. Poplar was named to the All-Ohio Valley Conference yards, in addition to forcing a fumble and breaking up a pass. second team on defense. 2015 (Freshman): Playing in nine games and starting five, Collins was eighth on the team 2015 (R-Freshman): Poplar made 14 tackles last season, including four solo stops in seven in total tackles with 28, including 14 solo stops and also had 2.5 tackles-for-loss for 14 yards. games played. He also recorded one tackle-for-loss for one yard. He also had a half-sack for three yards as well as two pass breakups, a fumble recovery and a forced fumble. 2014 (Freshman): Poplar was a member of the team in 2014 and spent his first season as a redshirt member of the scout team. HIGH SCHOOL: Collins was a multi-sport standout at Restoration Academy in Fairfield, Ala., lettering in basketball and track in addition to his four seasons on the Bulldog football team. HIGH SCHOOL: A product of a solid football program at Knoxville Central High School, Josh Played tight end, defensive end and outside linebacker for coach Reggie Torbor’s squad, was a four-year starter, one for coach Joel Helton and three for coach Joe Hassel...missed helping post an 8-4 record including a 4-1 mark in region play. Named the team’s Most Valuable much of his junior year with a torn ACL, following an all-region season as a sophomore...twice Lineman, he was also tabbed the team’s overall MVP, the same honor he picked up on the track named all-district...played running back and linebacker...competitive and versatile athlete, & field team where he established the school record in the mile run. he also lettered four years in baseball and two in track & field...a sprinter, he competed in the 100m dash and 4x100m relay. PERSONAL: The son of Ken Moore and Ann Thomas...full name is Timothy Demond Collins... born April 26, 1997 in Bessemer, Ala. PERSONAL: The son of Willie and Florence Scott Poplar...his father competed in two World Deaf Olympics (1969 and 1973) and is a member of the Knoxville Hall of Fame...born June 21, ACADEMIC: Majoring in basic business with an interest in becoming a sales representative… 1996 in Knoxville...full name is Joshua Taylor Zachary Poplar. named to the Spring 2016 AD’s Honor Roll…named to the 2015-16 OVC Commissioner’s Honor Roll ACADEMIC: Majoring in business with an interest in health care administration…named to the Spring 2016 AD’s Honor Roll…named to the 2015-16 OVC Commissioner’s Honor Roll…awarded the OVC Academic Medal of Honor...Poplar was a 2016 CoSIDA Academic All-District selection. TENNESSEE TECH FOOTBALL TENNESSEE TECH UNIVERSITY GOLDEN EAGLE FOOTBALL OVC CHAMPIONS 1952 | 1953 | 1955 | 1958 | 1959 | 1960 | 1961 | 1972 | 1975 | 2011 2018 PRESEASON PROSPECTUS GENERAL INFORMATION FOOTBALL STAFF School ............................................................... Tennessee Tech University Head Coach ...................................................................................................Dewayne Alexander Location ............................................................................Cookeville, Tenn. Alma Mater .............................................................................................Tennessee Tech, 1989 Founded ................................................................................................ 1915 Record at Tennessee Tech (Years) ..........................................................0-0 (First season) Enrollment ........................................................................................10,504 Career Record (Years) .............................................................................................41-33 (7) Nickname.............................................................................. Golden Eagles Associate Head Coach/Tight Ends .......................................................................Doug Malone Colors ...........................................Purple (PMS 266) and Gold (PMS 109) Alma Mater ...........................................................................................Carson-Newman, 1982 Affiliation ................................................................NCAA Division I (FCS) Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks .......................................................................Tre Lamb Conference ................................................................................Ohio Valley Alma Mater .............................................................................................Tennessee Tech, 2013 President .........................................................................Dr. Philip Oldham Defensive Coordinator/Safeties .........................................................................Donnie Suber Director of Athletics ..............................................................Mark Wilson Alma Mater ...........................................................................................Georgia Southern, 1990 Football Office Phone ......................................................(931) 372-3930 Running Backs ...........................................................................................Dominique Davenport Football Office Fax ..........................................................(931) 372-6478 Alma Mater .......................................................................................... Coastal Carolina, 2010 Ticket Office Phone ........................................................(931) 372-3940 Linebackers ...........................................................................................................Bruce Hatfield Alma Mater ............................................................................................ Tennessee Tech, 1990 FACILITY INFORMATION Outside Linebackers/Special Teams Coordinator ........................................Taylor Hennigan .............................................................................................Tennessee Tech, 2013 Stadium (Capacity) ..........................................Tucker Stadium (16,500) Alma Mater ...........................................................................................................Fred Marshall Year Constructed ...............................................................................1966 Cornerbacks ......................................................................................Presbyterian College, 2014 Surface ......................................................................................... 24/7 Turf Alma Mater ..........................................................................................................Adam Mims Press Box Phone ...................................(931) 372-6030/(931) 372-6031 Wide Receivers Alma Mater ..........................................................................................................Furman, 2011 FOOTBALL HISTORY Offensive Line ......................................................................................................Jake Thornton Alma Mater .......................................................................................... Western Carolina, 2015 First Year of Football ......................................................................... 1922 Defensive Line ....................................................................................................Sam Williamson First Year of Division I (FCS) ........................................................... 1978 Alma Mater ..............................................................................................................UAB, 2005 All-Time Record .......................................................................420-506-31 Director of Football Operations ................................................................................ Chip Pugh All-Time Division I FCS Record ............................................... 178-269-2 Alma Mater .......................................................................................................................... TBA All-Time OVC Record .................................................................214-253-3