Florida A&M soccer provides to the teaching workers as Coach Colzie introduced Andre Pope because the defensive cross sport coordinator and defensive backs coach.
“After the wonderful quantity of success we have had within the defensive backfield the final two years with Coach Morgan and myself, I assumed it was necessary to verify I had somebody who was going to show and coach with the identical ardour the blokes have been accustomed to over the previous few years,” mentioned Colzie.
“Coach Pope is a man who performed for me whereas I used to be at West Georgia and has had success in all places he is been all through his profession. He is a tireless recruiter, and I am unable to wait to see what he brings to the Rattlers whereas he is right here!”
“It was robust to depart after serving to construct one thing particular in Montgomery,” mentioned Pope. “Alabama State was superb to my household and me, and for that, they are going to at all times be household. Coach Colzie has been a mentor of mine since being my place coach at West Georgia. When Coach Milton Patterson referred to as and the chance introduced itself, I could not flip down the Sunshine State.
“FAMU presents great love, status, and tradition that my household and I are grateful to affix. It is a blessing to be right here!”
Pope joined the Rattlers after spending the final two seasons at Alabama State, the place he was a part of one of many high defenses within the nation throughout these seasons.
In 2023, the Hornets ranked nationally in factors allowed (2nd), yards allowed (third), passing TDs allowed (third), and defensive cross effectivity (tenth).
In 2022, the Hornets ranked second within the SWAC in interceptions (14) and third in complete protection (313.9), rush protection (126.6) and cross protection (187.2). Irshaad Davis (S) was named Phil Steele All-SWAC.
Pope arrived at Alabama State within the spring of 2022 from North Carolina Central, the place he coached the safeties earlier than heading to Alabama State.
Pope has served as recruiting coordinator and defensive backs coach at each West Texas A&M College (2021) and Shepherd College (2018-20) and as defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach throughout his time at Avila College (2013-17).
He was an All-American defensive again at Fairmont State College earlier than enjoying security and linebacker on the College of West Georgia in his ultimate two seasons.
Throughout his keep at West Texas A&M, Tobias Harris earned First-Group Protection Elite 100, All-American, All-Area, and All-Lone Star Convention, and security Satchel Escalante earned All-LSC laurels below Pope’s mentoring. Harris completed his profession with 16 interceptions, rating second all-time at West Texas A&M.
Throughout tenure with the Rams, he coached 4 all-conference and two all-region protection backs. He has additionally one student-athlete play within the NFL with one other within the XFL. Beneath his tutelage, the Rams additionally led the PSAC in interceptions through the 2019 season with 20.
He additionally spent 5 years at Avila College in Kansas Metropolis, Missouri, the place he served because the defensive coordinator and defensive again coach for the Eagles, the place six student-athletes earned all-conference accolades. Earlier than leaping to teaching, Pope was a two-time All-American on the gridiron for Fairmont State after being considered probably the greatest highschool recruits in Maryland.
He spent his final two years of eligibility at West Georgia, enjoying security and outdoors linebacker. Throughout his time as a Wolf, Pope ranked nationally in pressured fumbles and led the group in tackles per snap. Pope had exercises for the Atlanta Falcons, Buffalo Payments, and Hamilton Tiger Cats.
Pope graduated from MidAmerica Nazarene with a BA in Organizational Management (Enterprise). He’s the daddy of three daughters.
This text initially appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: FAMU Soccer: Rattlers rent new defensive backs coach
