I am a really big fan of this pickup for North Alabama. This isn’t someone who generated a lot of buzz nationally, but he has tape that I keep going back to. Spends most time lined up at 0 and 2 tech, but has the versatility to move all across the line. This guy gets after it. He is quick off the line, makes great use of his hands to shed at the point of attack, and has the speed/bend profile to chase the QB. His motor runs hot, frequently flagging the football down the field and making tackles in space. His combination of athleticism and POA juice makes it easy for him to shed, pull himself into the backfield, and be hard to reach in the run game. Love this pickup.

Pope continues to fly under the radar but shouldn’t for long. The high-motor defensive lineman plays with an edge and a rare blend of strength and quick-twitch explosiveness. His first step can catch tackles off guard, and his ability to chase down plays from behind adds a dynamic layer to his game. Pope flashes positional versatility, working both inside and on the edge as a 3-4 end, and consistently wins with leverage and hand violence. He’s quietly building one of the more consistent bodies of work among unsigned linemen.

Dashaun Pope Dashaun Pope 6'2" | 270 lbs | DL Hillcresttuscaloosa | 2026 State AL is a dominant piece of Hillcrest’s defensive front that we’ll need to keep an eye on this week.

“Pope is explosive off the snap and has violent hands he uses to get past offensive linemen and into the backfield to come up with big stops. Pope is an effective pass rusher who generates tons of pressure and brings down the quarterback, but is even more unstoppable against the run.

Pope is a dominant run defender- he completely blows up the line of scrimmage, fights off blockers, and brings down the ball carrier on almost every rushing play. It’s seriously impressive watching the power and leverage Pope plays with- he bullies offensive linemen and puts them on their heels to come up with huge stops in the trenches on a routine basis.“

I’m impressed with the impact Pope has made these last two weeks. He’s a productive pass rusher who can defend against the run at a high level. Hoover will have to find a way to slow him down up front.

Pope has made some impressive plays to open up the season. Make sure you give him a watch below:

Dashaun Pope Dashaun Pope 6'2" | 270 lbs | DL Hillcresttuscaloosa | 2026 State AL is a talented DL out of Hillcrest who dropped some big news regarding his recruitment last week.

“Pope is explosive off the snap and has violent hands he uses to get past offensive linemen and into the backfield to come up with big stops. Pope is an effective pass rusher who generates tons of pressure and brings down the quarterback, but is even more unstoppable against the run.

Pope is a dominant run defender- he completely blows up the line of scrimmage, fights off blockers, and brings down the ball carrier on almost every rushing play. It’s seriously impressive watching the power and leverage Pope plays with- he bullies offensive linemen and puts them on their heels to come up with huge stops in the trenches on a routine basis.“

Last week, Pope announced he’d committed to North Alabama! I won’t be surprised to watch him ball out this coming season; he’s a dominant DL prospect primed for a big senior season.

Pope put together some impressive tape last fall, make sure you watch some of his tape below:

Dashaun Pope Dashaun Pope 6'2" | 270 lbs | DL Hillcresttuscaloosa | 2026 State AL is a talented member of Hillcrest’s defensive line who’s coming off one of his best seasons yet.

Pope is explosive off the snap and has violent hands he uses to get past offensive linemen and into the backfield to come up with big stops. Pope is an effective pass rusher who generates tons of pressure and brings down the quarterback but is even more unstoppable against the run.

Pope is a dominant run defender- he completely blows up the line of scrimmage, fights off blockers, and brings down the ball carrier on almost every rushing play. It’s seriously impressive watching the power and leverage Pope plays with- he bullies offensive linemen and puts them on their heels to come up with huge stops in the trenches on a routine basis.

Pope picked up offers from North Alabama and Mercer over the past week, and with his talent, he will have more sent his way in no time.

Do yourself a favor and check out Pope’s tape from last season below, he’s a talented player on Hillcrest’s defensive line with a bright future ahead.