Leonard Pope attended Americus High School in Americus, Georgia where he played both tight end and linebacker. As a junior, Pope totaled 25 receptions for 491 yards and 6 touchdowns, helping his team to a state championship. As a senior he caught 7 touchdown passes and took an interception back for a touchdown as well. He had 8 catches and 2 touchdowns in the playoffs as Americus won their second straight state championship. Leonard was named to the all-state team for his performance as a senior. He was considered to be one of the top tight end prospects in the nation and was invited to play in the Georgia-Florida all-star game. Leonard didn’t have the grades to get into Georgia out of high school so he spent a year at Hargrove Military Academy. He was able to transfer to Georgia the following season. He spent that year primarily as a backup tight end and was named to the SEC all-freshman team. In 2004 Pope became the team’s starting tight end. He finished third on the team in receiving with 25 receptions for 482 yards and a career high 6 touchdowns. Five of his six touchdowns came in the final six games of the season. He was named the team’s most improved offensive player and received first team all-SEC honors for his performance as a sophomore. After spring drills in 2005, Pope was named the team’s best all-around offensive player. He finished the season with career highs in receptions (39) and yards (541). He scored 4 touchdowns on the year and was named first team all-SEC for the second consecutive year. Leonard has one year of eligibility left but opted to leave school early to enter the 2006 NFL draft.

Leonard Pope is a huge target with great size for a tight end. He doesn’t have great speed but he is still able to gain separation and make plays down the field. He averaged over 19 yards per reception as a sophomore and has a career average of over 16 yards per catch. He runs good routes, has big hands and doesn’t drop many catchable balls. He has good concentration and does a good job of catching the ball with his hands away from his body. His height combined with his vertical leap allows him to go up and get the ball against just about anyone. Once he has the ball in his hands he does a good job of making defenders miss for such a big man. He also has the ability to break tackles or drag defenders if he has to in order to gain additional yardage. He is an average run blocker who needs to improve his technique but he has the size to become a very good run blocker in the NFL. Leonard Pope only has two years of starting experience under his belt. He has a good deal of upside and should be selected in bottom half of the first round in April.