DB Pope Leaves South Carolina for Hampton University

Photo: Sam Pope

We Hardly Knew Ya: Pope transfers to Hampton University

Rivals.com VIDEO--Sam Pope Highlights: http://rivals100.rivals.com/video.asp?pkey=59679&section=fbrecruit&vidtype=prospect&vidid=89463

Defensive back Sam Pope has left the South Carolina football team and plans to transfer to Hampton University or South Carolina State University, a source familiar with his plans told the South Carolina News Network.

Pope transferred to USC from Summit Southwest Mississippi Community College. He recently was moved from corner to safety, and according to the source, Pope wants to play cornerback.

Sam was a rivals.com 3-star performer with a 6-1 frame and 200 lbs and will fill a definite need for Hampton with a defense depleted of talent due to graduation.

University of South Carolina officials said they will expedite a refining of the university's special-admissions process for athletes. Football coach Steve Spurrier said he expects the process to be revised to the point where "we can eagerly and enthusiastically go about our business in recruiting."

Spurrier blasted the university's current process on Sunday after recruits Michael Bowman and Arkee Smith, who qualified with the NCAA Clearinghouse, were denied admission to the school. Spurrier and DB coach Ron Cooper talked about Pope's decision Thursday.

We reported Thursday at MEAC/SWAC Sports Main Street that Arkee Smith transferred to Alvin Wyatt's Bethune Cookman University Wildcats program.

Defensive back Sam Pope has been on the USC campus just a few weeks but the numbers in the secondary have apparently convinced him that it might be better to play elsewhere.

After Hampton University success last year with the record number of Pirates invited to the NFL combine, Coach Joe Taylor's club has become the prime destination for Football Bowl Championship transfer players. No doubt, the welcome mat is out at three-time MEAC champions, Hampton University.

Welcome home to the MEAC, son.