The alteration in coaching staff at Alabama created an opportunity for Crimson Tide players to explore alternative options through the portal. This transition proved advantageous for the Georgia Bulldogs on Friday night, as they secured the commitment of Jake Pope, a former defensive back for the Crimson Tide.
Jake Pope, a 6-foot-1, 192-pound safety, has pledged his commitment to Georgia and brings with him three years of eligibility. He shared his decision on social media, posting a tweet that reads, “Returning home!!! Committed,” accompanied by a graphic depicting Pope in a Georgia jersey.
In the 2023 season, Jake Pope participated in 11 games for Alabama, primarily contributing on special teams. However, he also saw defensive action against Kentucky and Chattanooga, though he did not register any statistics in those appearances.
During his true freshman year in 2022, Pope did not see any playing time on the field.
Before his college career, Pope distinguished himself at Buford High School, earning a four-star prospect rating in the 2022 class. According to 247Sports, he was ranked as the No. 30 prospect in the state of Georgia and held the No. 28 spot among safeties.
Pope played a pivotal role in Buford High School’s football success, contributing to multiple state championships during his varsity career. Additionally, he garnered attention as a promising baseball prospect.
Despite having offers from Georgia, Notre Dame, and North Carolina, Pope ultimately chose to attend Alabama.
Pope is a versatile player who excels in all three phases of the game, showcasing the potential to transition seamlessly to either the receiver or safety position at the next level. He has room for growth, with the ability to add more weight to his frame. Across the board, Pope demonstrates impressive athleticism, displaying excellent short-area burst and explosiveness on offense and defense, accompanied by outstanding play speed.
His movements are efficient, characterized by minimal wasted motion, and he transitions smoothly in and out of breaks. Pope’s instincts stand out in all aspects of the game, and he exhibits natural ball skills on both offense and defense. In addition to his prowess on the field, he shows promise as a playmaker in the return game and after catching the ball. Pope is expected to make an immediate impact on special teams, highlighting his versatility as an athlete who plays with instincts and often exceeds expectations in size and impact.
