CPAC: Julian Freeze adds Elon offer
by Brandon Mitchell, recruit757
If it’s one thing that we are constantly learning about football is that someone is always watching. This boded well for DeShawn Pope Jr. (JR DB 5-9 160) who was able to receive his first offer today from Kentucky Christian University. The Phoebus product was at a 7-on-7 not too long ago when he took the initiative to approach an Ocean Lakes player who had just received an offer from KCU. Pope decided to send KCU game film and grades from this past season. Not too long after that he was receiving his very first offer.
“I was at a 7-on-7 talking with a few of my teammates. I spotted a guy who had gotten an offer from Kentucky Christian and I got put on. They wanted to see my highlight tape and they really loved it. After that they sent me an offer. They also asked me for my grades so I sent those too. The turnaround was quick and the whole process happened really fast. I haven’t gone to take a visit down there yet but Coach (Jeremy) Blunt and I are talking about it right now. I plan on taking an official visit in about two months”, stated Pope.
The dominance displayed by the Phantom defense last season goes without stating. Statistically and physically speaking, the Phantoms assumed one of the most punishing defenses in the Peninsula District last season. Included on the back half of the defense was Pope. Pope helped hold down a defensive that was able to hold 10 of its season. Pope was able to accumulate 68 tackles including three tackles for loss, one sack, three forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery. Pope’s six interceptions led the defense on the season. With a junior campaign like such, Pope is beginning to demand interest.
“I’m getting mail from a few schools. I’ll leave them unnamed because they haven’t sent for and evaluation on me. Last season helped me out a lot and I think I played well. I actually led the defense in interceptions. That was a really big deal for me. This year I’m going to be more of a vocal captain. I really want to talk more and speak up to the defense. I can really see myself expanding to a bigger role this season”, said Pope.
Don’t call the rising senior undersized in any way, shape, or form. The Phantom product has been hitting the weight room like clockwork in an effort to increase his size. Future Phoebus alumni and graduating seniors Andre Smith and Traonte Hamlin have really been on Pope this offseason. The brotherhood at Phoebus runs deeper just lining up on game day. Hamlin and Smith have also been keeping Pope disciplined academically as well as physically. Physically Pope has been working with his 7-on-7 team and will continue to do so over the next few months.
“My 7-on-7 team, Team Fuel, just got invited to the IMG Academy in Florida so I plan on going there. I also plan on going to Maryland with my 7-on-7 team and a couple of camps in New Jersey. I just joined Team Fuel this year. We really weren’t even supposed to have a team this year we were just getting together to workout. We found out that we had more than a few good players and next thing you know we were coming together as a team. For Team Fuel I’m all over the place trying to learn every position in the secondary. I’ve played slot, defensive back, and safety. I’m willing to do anything to perfect my craft”, concluded Pope.
Look for more to come from DeShawn Pope Jr. and the Phoebus Phantoms as the off-season progresses.
– Brandon Mitchell
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