Decision made, commitment date set for 4-star DB Jake Pope

If you asked Buford (Ga.) star athlete Jake Pope in June when he thought he would be ready to make a decision, he was thinking July. The four-star felt good about having his mind made up before August.

That didn’t happen.

And he even entered this week not knowing when he would be ready. But after some serious talks with those close to him, he has made a decision, and he is ready to announce it.

“My mind is made up, and I will be committing Monday, Aug. 16 at 6:50pm EDT on Fox 5,” Pope said. “It was a very hard decision and I went back and forth many times, but I am ready.”

Five hats on the table

Pope has stuck with his top five throughout the summer and that will not change leading up to his announcement. He plans to have Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, Notre Dame and Ohio State hats on the table when he reveals his selection.

Each school gave him a lot to think about.

“I took a lot of visits this summer and all five schools are great,” Pope said. “They all recruited me hard. I built some strong relationships and that made it a lot tougher.

“I had to really figure out what school fit me the best. Going through all the pros and cons, talking it over with my family, and reflecting on how I felt on each campus has gotten me to this point.”

Jake Pope is done

Just days ago, Pope was seriously thinking he could take his recruitment into the fall. That changed rather quickly. His goal was to be committed before his senior year, but he was never going to rush it to make that happen.

A lot went into this decision. He had that checklist to go through and a dad that played at Clemson to talk to, but that feeling inside was important.

“My gut was telling me something, and I had to listen,” Pope said. “A lot went into this, but that feeling told me I was ready.

“From relationships with coaches to the ones with players to the campus life to the overall program, I know I have found the right school.”

He has given the news to the program that won this recruiting battle, too.

“I have silently committed, so I am done,” Jake Pope said. “I can’t wait for next week to announce it to everyone. There is no reason to hold it in. I can’t wait.”