Pope

[dwadeattack]

Has everyone forgotten about derrick pope. he played very well when he was in for zack thomas, and even scored a touchdown.

 

[gofins]

I have high hopes for Pope. I'd like to see him contribute a lot this season.

 

[Nublar7]

I am actually a little worried about Pope. Saban seems to like the tall 240-250 lb Linebackers. Also, with him running a 4-3/3-4 Hybrid Defense, it is better to have the bigger backers. Pope sadly may not fit into Saban's scheme.

 

[painnotpleasure]

Yeah... I agree with Nublar, I don't think Derrick Pope fits in Saban's system. Also with the acquisition of Channing Crowder, he's not going to see much playing time and may not remain on the team for much longer. I'm thinking Crowder will back up Zach at MLB (at least in the beginning) and than possibly start at LOLB (SLB). As for Pope I'm thinking he's going to be the third string MLB, but I also could see him getting some playing time at OLB maybe at the ROLB (WLB) spot.

 

[fishfan34]

Yeah, I love Pope's ability, but in this defense, I need to see how Nick plans to use him with his lack of size. He has a nonstop motor though, no question!

 

[Ruderic]

Pope makes minimum and played well. I hope he stays.

 

[finsnchips]

Pope didn't play well... he filled in admirably baring in mind he was a seventh round pick. The Pats abused him.

I agree with Nub... he might not have the brightest of futures here because of his size.

 

[Smoke]

I've been wondering what Saban plans to do with Pope. The Texans run a 3-4 and have M.Greenwood playing ilb. Pope is about the same size as Greenwood so maybe Pope can play a 3-4. I'm sure he'll have a fair shot at the job, so who knows.

 

[Buddwalk]

Has everyone forgotten about derrick pope. he played very well when he was in for zack thomas, and even scored a touchdown.

I saw much progression from him last year and maybe in 2-3 years he could fill in for zach. Hes still not very good on coverage though

 

[Lee2000]

don't get too caught up in the system there guys

If Pope makes plays he will get to play. That will take presidence over the system fit issue. Not all of Bill's guys met the specifics of the system. I don't think Tedi did, but look what he did. Zack certainingly doesn't and he will start this year. Don't get too caught up in all that. Poole was likely to play alot this year and he doesn't fit it either.

Lee2000

 

[NJFINSFAN1]

Pope didn't play well... he filled in admirably baring in mind he was a seventh round pick. The Pats abused him.

I agree with Nub... he might not have the brightest of futures here because of his size.

I agree, the Pat's eat him alive that game, but he was a rookie, but as other posters have said, he may not be the LB that Saban likes.