Just a sophomore, four-star wide receiver Mark Pope's recruitment has already taken on a defined shape. Alabama has led the way for the class-of-2018 prospect for some time. These days, Florida and Miami have closed the gap bit, but the Crimson Tide remains the team to beat.

The Tide’s lead is such that Pope may have some news to share in the near future.

“I’m saying that, this summer, whenever I go out there, I’m going to commit to Alabama,” Pope said on Saturday.

But as certain has Pope’s impending pledge to Alabama seems at this juncture, backup plans remain. The Miami (Fla.) Southridge High School star hold a slew of scholarship offers. That said, there’s a clear and established pecking order at the top of his list.

Florida and Miami are really coming up,” Pope said. “They’re making moves with me,“ Pope said. “It’s probably, right now, Alabama, Florida and UM in that order.”

IN HIS WORDS: “I just left Mississippi State,” Pope said. “I went to camp there. I liked it. It was a big school and they offered me on the spot.”

RIVALS REACTION: It’s hard to imagine Pope not committing to Alabama should the Tide be prepared to take his commitment more than a year before he signs a letter of intent. Even if Pope does commit this summer, however, Florida and Miami are likely to remain in the mix. Regardless of commitment status, Pope has no intention of completely shutting down his recruitment.