In his senior year, he recorded 175 tackles, seven sacks and four caused fumbles, which earned him first-team Class 6A all-state honors, as well as All-American selections by USA Today and Parade.
In his true freshman year at Florida State, Pope primarily saw action backing up All-American senior Tommy Polley at weakside linebacker as well as on special teams.
For the season, Pope also had five pass break-ups, five quarterback hurries and two interceptions, including a pick six in the 31–14 win over in-state rival Florida.
[1][2] Rotating with sophomore A. J. Nicholson and freshman Ernie Sims, and seeing his playing time reduced, Pope's numbers went considerably down.
Projected to be a mid-third rounder by Sports Illustrated, Pope was described as “athletic, weak-side linebacker that excels in pass coverage.”[3] He was selected in the fourth round with the 107th overall pick by the Colts.