WFL Prospect Profile: Andre Pope

by Noah Underhill

Reporting by Chatwick GerPointe, Daniel Devito, 6God

Position: Quarterback
College: Virginia Tech
Height: 6'5"
Weight: 240 lbs
Hometown: Norfolk, Virginia
Class: Junior
Current Draft Ranking: #6 on Legatron’s QB Board
Attended WFL Global: DC

Overview:

Andre Pope is a physically gifted quarterback with a unique blend of size, speed, and athleticism that sets him apart from most prospects in this draft class. Standing at 6'5" and weighing 240 pounds, Pope has the ideal frame for a quarterback, but what truly stands out is his incredible mobility. Known for his scrambling ability and elite speed—highlighted by a stunning 4.30 40-yard dash at WFL Global: DC—Pope possesses arguably the quickest feet in the entire quarterback class. Though he wasn't as dominant on the big stage in college as some expected after his stellar high school career (He was a 5-Star recruit), Pope showed flashes of brilliance as a dual-threat quarterback at Virginia Tech.

Pope's journey to the WFL Draft has been shaped by his work ethic and love for the game. A self-proclaimed film junkie, Pope became enamored with the great scrambling quarterbacks of the past, and that influence has shaped his playing style. He is known for his strong arm, impressive field vision, and lightning-fast decision-making when on the move. However, concerns about his accuracy and tendency to run before fully scanning the field have raised questions about his ability to fully transition to a pro-style offense.

Strengths:

  • Elite Mobility and Speed: Pope's 4.30 40-yard dash time is jaw-dropping for a quarterback of his size. His combination of speed and size allows him to escape pressure in the pocket and make plays with his legs. He can extend plays and turn potential sacks into positive yardage, making him an extremely dangerous scrambling threat. His speed also makes him a serious weapon on designed quarterback runs or read options.

  • Strong Arm and Velocity: Pope possesses a cannon of an arm, capable of making all the necessary throws at the next level. Whether it's a deep ball down the sideline or a quick slant across the middle, Pope can deliver with velocity and accuracy when he's given time in the pocket. His arm strength allows him to challenge defenses vertically, forcing safeties and cornerbacks to respect the deep ball.

  • Field Vision: Despite his tendency to scramble, Pope has excellent field vision when he keeps his eyes downfield. He has the ability to read defenses and recognize open receivers quickly. His experience at Virginia Tech, where he had to make quick decisions while under duress, has helped him develop an ability to process information fast and make good decisions on the fly.

  • Film Study and Football IQ: Pope’s passion for the game is evident in his dedication to film study. A self-described "film junkie," he spends countless hours studying defenses, learning the tendencies of opposing players, and breaking down his own performance. This has helped him refine his football IQ and understanding of the game, making him a student of the position. His knowledge of scramblers like Michael Vick, Cam Newton, and Vincent Morris informs his decision-making and his ability to navigate the pocket.

Weaknesses:

  • Inconsistent Accuracy: One of the biggest concerns surrounding Pope is his throwing accuracy. While he has the arm strength to make all the necessary throws, he struggles with consistency, especially when under pressure. His mechanics can break down on deeper throws, causing his passes to sail or miss their targets. This is a major area of concern, as pro-level defenses will exploit any inconsistency in his accuracy.

  • Tendency to Rely on His Legs: Pope's athleticism is a major asset, but it can also be a double-edged sword. He has a tendency to take off and run rather than wait for his receivers to get open downfield. While his mobility allows him to escape pressure, it can also lead to missed opportunities in the passing game. Pope often bails out of the pocket too early, which can limit his ability to let plays develop and find open targets. At the pro level, he’ll need to show more patience and trust in his ability to read defenses and let routes develop before deciding to run.

  • Needs to Improve Touch on Passes: Pope’s strong arm can sometimes be a detriment when it comes to throwing passes with touch, especially on intermediate throws. He tends to overcompensate by firing bullets, which can lead to passes that are too fast or high for his receivers to handle. He’ll need to work on varying his throw velocity to suit different situations, particularly when throwing to the sidelines or on quick-hitting routes.

  • Limited Experience in Pro-style Systems: While Pope’s college career at Virginia Tech was solid, he did not always face the Defensive schemes and was not asked to play in a system that would prepare him for a pro-style offense. His mobility and scramble-first mentality allowed him to thrive in college, but at the next level, he’ll need to become more comfortable working from the pocket and making reads in a structured, WFL-style offense.

Outlook:

Andre Pope is one of the most exciting quarterbacks in this year’s draft class, thanks to his unique combination of size, speed, and arm strength. His mobility makes him a threat both in and out of the pocket, and he has the potential to be a game-changer with his ability to escape pressure and extend plays. His passion for the game and dedication to film study are also big positives, indicating that Pope has the work ethic and football IQ to continue developing.

However, the concerns around his accuracy and tendency to scramble early in plays are legitimate and will need to be addressed at the professional level. While Pope has shown flashes of brilliance, particularly with his arm strength and vision, he will need to improve his mechanics and decision-making in the pocket. If he can refine his accuracy, become more patient as a passer, and develop his touch on intermediate throws, Pope could become a dynamic dual-threat quarterback in the WFL.

At this stage, Pope is a high-upside prospect with a bit of rawness to his game. Teams that are looking for a quarterback who can evolve and develop with the right coaching should be intrigued by his potential. His athleticism alone makes him a player to watch, but his success in the WFL will ultimately depend on his ability to refine his passing game and make the leap from a scrambling threat to a more well-rounded quarterback.

Projection:

Pope is currently rated #6 on Legatron’s Big Board, but his stock could rise significantly depending on how he performs in pre-draft workouts and interviews. Teams looking for a mobile quarterback with immense upside could take a chance on him in the first or second round. However, some may prefer to see him take a year or two to develop in a low-pressure situation and adjust to the professional game. His combination of size, speed, and arm strength makes him an intriguing long-term project for any team in need of a quarterback with unique athletic ability.