Freshman Friday
A common theme across the country as well as for the Hurricanes over the past couple of years is that freshman can and will make an impact immediately. We can expect that trend to continue as Richt’s highly touted Storm 18 class quickly gets acclimated this summer. In CIS’ latest installment, Freshman Friday, I’d like to help familiarize us with possible impact freshman by giving scouting reports and my predictions for the upcoming season.
The first new face I’d like to welcome is arguably the most anticipated addition from Richt’s Storm 18 class: local star Mark Pope. The Southridge Spartan and 2016 state champ leads a group of talented freshman wideouts. From what I have heard from fellow Canes’ faithful, we continue what we do best. We’ve already placed enormously high expectations on Pope. It seems many have already dubbed the hometown kid the next great Hurricanes pass catcher. But as I dig in to the Mark Pope files, it doesn’t take much convincing to believe that just might be the case.
Scouting Report
Also a track star, Pope ran a 10.53 in the 100m dash. He has obvious top end speed. But there are a lot of fast guys out there. The thing that impresses me most about Pope is his ability to effortlessly change speeds throughout his routes. He has a great feeling for knowing when to accelerate or decelerate to create separation. He is an incredibly smooth yet technical receiver who clearly pays attention to the details of running routes. Once he’s caught the ball, the show has only just begun. Whether it is after the catch or in the return game, he’s special with the ball in his hands. He is the kind of guy who can turn a good play into a game changing play. He’s fast but under control, and when he decides to hit that final gear, it’s goodnight sleep tight.
Pope is more than comfortable making contested catches. He catches the ball with ease. He made acrobatic catches in high pressure moments throughout his high school career including the game winning touchdown in the state championship. He seems to have an innate ability to control his body in the air as he contorts to come down with the ball any way possible. He stands at 6’1, but with his obvious flexibility and dexterity, his catch radius is that of someone much taller. In my opinion, Pope doesn’t have any glaring weaknesses. He just needs to continue to hone his craft and progress to the level we all believe he can reach. Around 175 pounds, he’s a bit slight. He will certainly need to add some bulk in due time. With all the tools to be the next go-to receiver, the excitement around this young man is warranted.
2018 Predictions
Pope looks to find a role in a talented receiving corps right away. Ron Dugans has spoken highly of Pope’s impressive skillset. He can run a full route tree, and is quite capable of lining up inside or outside, which will help him get on the field quickly. However, with Dugans no nonsense approach to blocking, Pope will need to take his overall physicality to another level for him to play a consistent role in the offense this year. Mark’s skills in the return game will also help him get on the field. He is able to see several cuts ahead and use his patience to set up blocks and spring huge returns. Expect to see Pope get some opportunities to win a job returning kicks or punts.
I do believe Pope will see some rotational time on offense early on this season and could see a larger role as the year goes on. He is the kind of weapon who is hard to keep off the field. I could picture him making a couple of splash plays and making it hard for the coaches to resist. The potential for this man is unlimited, but let’s give him time. The physicality of playing receiver in high school vs. college is night and day. There will be growing pains, but I really believe he is a tough minded kid who will surely be able to adapt. I wouldn’t expect to see any crazy numbers from Pope this year, but I do expect to see some flashes of his expected greatness reminding us why many think this is the beginning of a future Hurricanes legend. The Pope has landed in Coral Gables, and he’s here to bless opposing DB’s.
A common theme across the country as well as for the Hurricanes over the past couple of years is that freshman can and will make an impact immediately. We can expect that trend to continue as Richt’s highly touted Storm 18 class quickly gets acclimated this summer. In CIS’ latest installment, Freshman Friday, I’d like to help familiarize us with possible impact freshman by giving scouting reports and my predictions for the upcoming season.
The first new face I’d like to welcome is arguably the most anticipated addition from Richt’s Storm 18 class: local star Mark Pope. The Southridge Spartan and 2016 state champ leads a group of talented freshman wideouts. From what I have heard from fellow Canes’ faithful, we continue what we do best. We’ve already placed enormously high expectations on Pope. It seems many have already dubbed the hometown kid the next great Hurricanes pass catcher. But as I dig in to the Mark Pope files, it doesn’t take much convincing to believe that just might be the case.
Scouting Report
Also a track star, Pope ran a 10.53 in the 100m dash. He has obvious top end speed. But there are a lot of fast guys out there. The thing that impresses me most about Pope is his ability to effortlessly change speeds throughout his routes. He has a great feeling for knowing when to accelerate or decelerate to create separation. He is an incredibly smooth yet technical receiver who clearly pays attention to the details of running routes. Once he’s caught the ball, the show has only just begun. Whether it is after the catch or in the return game, he’s special with the ball in his hands. He is the kind of guy who can turn a good play into a game changing play. He’s fast but under control, and when he decides to hit that final gear, it’s goodnight sleep tight.
Pope is more than comfortable making contested catches. He catches the ball with ease. He made acrobatic catches in high pressure moments throughout his high school career including the game winning touchdown in the state championship. He seems to have an innate ability to control his body in the air as he contorts to come down with the ball any way possible. He stands at 6’1, but with his obvious flexibility and dexterity, his catch radius is that of someone much taller. In my opinion, Pope doesn’t have any glaring weaknesses. He just needs to continue to hone his craft and progress to the level we all believe he can reach. Around 175 pounds, he’s a bit slight. He will certainly need to add some bulk in due time. With all the tools to be the next go-to receiver, the excitement around this young man is warranted.
2018 Predictions
Pope looks to find a role in a talented receiving corps right away. Ron Dugans has spoken highly of Pope’s impressive skillset. He can run a full route tree, and is quite capable of lining up inside or outside, which will help him get on the field quickly. However, with Dugans no nonsense approach to blocking, Pope will need to take his overall physicality to another level for him to play a consistent role in the offense this year. Mark’s skills in the return game will also help him get on the field. He is able to see several cuts ahead and use his patience to set up blocks and spring huge returns. Expect to see Pope get some opportunities to win a job returning kicks or punts.
I do believe Pope will see some rotational time on offense early on this season and could see a larger role as the year goes on. He is the kind of weapon who is hard to keep off the field. I could picture him making a couple of splash plays and making it hard for the coaches to resist. The potential for this man is unlimited, but let’s give him time. The physicality of playing receiver in high school vs. college is night and day. There will be growing pains, but I really believe he is a tough minded kid who will surely be able to adapt. I wouldn’t expect to see any crazy numbers from Pope this year, but I do expect to see some flashes of his expected greatness reminding us why many think this is the beginning of a future Hurricanes legend. The Pope has landed in Coral Gables, and he’s here to bless opposing DB’s.
