AT DAYTON: Hoppe, the pre-season Mid-Major Defensive Player of the Year according to Phil Steele's College Football and a pre-season Sports Network All-American, returns for his fifth season as a Flyer. A co-captain in 2004 and now 2005, he is only the second two-time captain in UD history (William Schoen, who is really a student coach for the school's first two varsity teams, is listed as team captain in 1905 and 1906.). Last season Hoppe was Second Team I-AA Mid-Major All-America by Football Gazette, PFL North Defensive Player of the Year and was First Team All-Pioneer Football League for the second straight year. Hoppe led the Dayton defense in tackles (86 total, 42 solo). He also led the team in blocked kicks (2) and made two interceptions, one of which he returned for a 47-yard touchdown. He was First Team Academic All-PFL and is a four-time member of the PFL Academic Honor Roll. In 2004, as a first-time starter, he was second on the team in tackles (57) and third in tackles in the backfield (4.5). He earned his first letter in 2003, playing in all 11 games that season, coming up with 21 hits (ten solo). He is a two-time CoSIDA Academic All-District selection (first team in 2004).

PERSONAL: Son of Mark and Mary Hoppe...Born on August 15, 1984...Majoring in Finance...In high school, he was captain of both the football and hockey teams. In football he was selected first team all-conference twice and was the Conference Defensive Player of the Year as well as team MVP as a senior. He was selected First Team All-Illinois in two publications.