White County football player Hunter Pope emerged as one of the premier players in the Upper Cumberland during the 2020 season, earning the UCR and Nelson Trophy and Screen Printing Defensive Player of the Year award.
Pope shined as one of the top pass-rushers in the state to earn the award in his senior season.
“I’m very grateful to get this award,” said Pope. “I realized that it was my senior year and I wouldn’t be able to play high school football anymore. It motivated me.”
Pope, who also was effective running the football for the Warriors emerged as a nearly unstoppable presence along the defensive line. Pope said he prefers playing defense.
“I like tackling and hitting more,” said Pope. “You get a rush.”
One of the top plays of the season was a game-sealing sack for Pope against rival Livingston Academy.
This game-sealing sack by Hunter Pope gave White County a 34-28 win over Livingston Academy in the High School Football Game of the Week.
A statement win by the Warriors. pic.twitter.com/48Cid1dWNK— Noah McKay (@NoahMcKayUCR) October 11, 2020
Pope said his biggest improvement in 2020 came as a result from his work in the weight room.
“I just got stronger in the weight room,” said Pope. “I got bigger and stronger overall.”
Pope was a large part of the resurgence of White County football as the team went from winless seasons to a 5-5 record in 2019, and a winning record in 2020.
“It was completely different,” said Pope. “Once coach (Mark) Frasier got here, the team felt more like a team. It just wasn’t just each individual player.”