WATCH: Alabama commitment ends game with a pick-six
Four-star defensive back Jake Pope committed to Alabama earlier in August. This week, he showed off his skills with a game-ending pick six to put a button on a victory for his team.
As Clarke Central (GA) attempted to pull off a miracle, Pope made them pay. Moreover, the game ended with Buford (GA) and Pope victorious, 16-3.
While Pope committed to Alabama, it was a stressful decision for the highly touted prospect. While the North Carolina Tar Heels made him debate his decision, ultimately Nick Saban’s squad won out.
Earlier this month, Pope spoke with On3’s Chad Simmons on what set Alabama apart.
“I just kept having talks with my dad, looking for things to separate one school from the other,” Pope said. “I just kept coming back to Alabama being in the SEC, Alabama’s player development and the competition on their team. That is what is really came down to for me.”
Pope just couldn’t turn down Alabama
Buford High is all about winning. Jake Pope has won two state titles in high school, he plays baseball, and Buford has one of the top programs in the country, so Alabama’s success played into this decision.
Pope’s high school has double-digit Power 5 players, and he welcomes the competition Alabama can present.
“I want to play for championships, I want to be part of a great team and I know that is what Alabama is about,” Pope said. “I love competition and I will get that at Alabama. There are great players at North Carolina, too, but I feel Alabama is best for me. It is very similar to Buford.”
As mentioned, North Carolina made a strong run. The ACC program gave Pope a lot to think about, but he said Alabama was the right school for him.
“I just kept coming back to Alabama,” Pope said. “I literally was 50-50 a lot of the summer, but every time I broke it down and looked for reasons to pick one school, it came back to Alabama.
“Alabama produces legends. Alabama has great players. It is the best program in the country and I cannot wait to be part of it.”
On3’s Chad Simmons contributed to this article.