The University of Alabama football program has relationships with several high schools in recruiting.
Buford High School, a powerhouse in Georgia, is producing marquee athletes. Alabama has Seth McLaughlin, Isaiah Bond, and Justice Haynes from the program. It also grabbed a talented four-star defensive back in the 2022 class from Buford.
RELATED: Watch Alabama DB Jake Pope put a mean hit on Jermaine Burton
Jake Pope, a redshirt freshman, is in his second year with the Tide. He helped Buford to multiple state championships and was a star on the baseball diamond. The 6-foot-1, 192-pounder showed out in Alabama’s spring game, leading the White team in total tackles (10) and had a sack, a tackle for loss, and two pass breakups. Pope laid a punishing hit on wide receiver Jermaine Burton, forcing an incomplete pass. He is looking for playing time in the defensive secondary, primarily as a safety. Pope has competition with Malachi Moore, Kristian Story, Caleb Downs (true freshman), Jaylen Key (UAB transfer), Devonta Smith, and Tony Mitchell (true freshman), but Moore views Pope as a ‘physical’ player. He shared an important message to Tide fans on social media.
I’ll gain the respect soon enough…trust!
— Jake Pope (@JakePope24) July 14, 2023
Pope expects to make full use of his opportunity once it arrives. We will see how he performs in fall camp.
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