Kansas juco star heading to the SEC

Two years ago out of Galveston (Texas) Ball coach Dennis Franchione landed a huge commitment from fullback prospect Derrick Pope. Well, it looks like he’s landed another commitment from Pope.

Only this time Pope is an Alabama commitment, instead of a TCU pledge. And this time, Pope is a linebacker, instead of a fullback.

"They offered back in the spring, and I accepted on the spot,” said Pope, who is 6-foot and 223 pounds. "It wasn't a hard decision. It is a great program. My uncle (Kenith) is a coach there.

"During Spring, Alabama called me. Coach Fran, and I had a talk. He offered me. I didn't know what to think, but I accepted the scholarship then."

Pope was one of the key players at Garden City last season, helping guide the Broncbusters all the way to the junior college national championship game last season. Pope registered 121 tackles, 17 sacks and one interception. He is now running a 4.45-second 40-yard dash, bench-pressing 405 pounds and squatting 555 pounds.