Local prospect fulfills freshman prophecy, commits to the Vols

Published Jun. 15, 2015 8:38 p.m. ET

foxsports

The Tennessee Volunteers have added a second tight end to their 2016 recruiting class with the commitment of local prospect Austin Pope. 247 Sports currently ranks Pope as a three-star prospect with offers from Arkansas, Mississippi State, Louisville, Nebraska, Oklahoma State and Pittsburgh among others.

Pope, who plays for Christian Academy of Knoxville, tweeted out his commitment via twitter, which also included a handwritten note he wrote to himself as a freshman. The note details his goal of one day committing to the University of Tennessee.

Go Vols!!!??? #VFL pic.twitter.com/imdGkgjxHT
— Austin Pope (@Austin_Pope31) June 15, 2015

The 2016 Knoxville tight end prospect spoke to Volquest.com following his commitment.

"I went everywhere and saw everything I needed to see," Pope said. "I could always pick out something that I didn't like, but not at Tennessee. It was the place for me. I have confidence and peace and it's an unreal feeling."

What ultimately sold Pope on joining the Big Orange?

"It was the people," Pope said. "Specifically the coaches. I love coach Jones and (tight ends) coach Elder. They made me feel like I belong and like I'm already a part of the Tennessee family. I've also got the chance to play for my hometown at a place that has a couple of guys from my high school."

Pope also expressed his desire to play for a coordinator that has a track record at the NFL level in Mike DeBord: "Coach Debo coached tight ends in the NFL and as the OC, he will get them the ball," Pope said. "I'm going to come in and work hard and get in the best shape I've ever been in. Hopefully know the playbook in and out and get a chance to play through my hard work."

Sounds like a dream come true.

(h/t Volquest)