Fall Camp Updates: Mark Pope and Dee Wiggins interview

On Monday, after interviewing Rhett Lashlee, junior wide receivers Mark Pope and Dee Wiggins were the last to talk to the media.

Here’s what they had to say.

Going into a big year, Pope talked about what feels different about the 2020 season so far.

“Just going out there, doing what we’re doing, it’s going to be fast. Having fun.”

Last year, Pope totaled 18 receptions, for 266 yards and 2 touchdowns.

A big question and talking point, is how Lashlee’s offense is going, and what the offensive players think of it.

“From the last two years, I would say this offense has been much easier for us to catch on and just go out there and practice and play,” Pope said.

Lashlee talked to us about Pope a little bit as well, and how he fits into the offense.

“We’re putting him (Pope) in a position to be successful by doing the same stuff over and over again,” Lashlee said.

“Repetition is the mother of all learning. He does things over and over again, he continues to gain confidence,” Lashlee continued. “When you’re a confident player, you’re going to play better. Hopefully, we’re putting him in a position to be successful by doing the same stuff over and over again.”

Wiggins, who was Pope’s teammate in high school, also talked about Pope’s confidence.

“Confidence takes you a long way, and once you have confidence, you know what you’re doing and you play fast. When you play fast, you’re very accurate in what you do,” said Wiggins.

Pope talked about his route-running being one of the key factors in his game, and tries to model that aspect after one of the best receivers in college football from a year ago.

“I just try to get it like Jeudy, like Jerry Jeudy. Everything else is there. Just feeling confident and ready to play football.”

Wiggins was also asked about what feels different in 2020, compared to the 6-7 season in 2019.

“The difference between this team and last year’s team is the energy,” Wiggins said. Everyone has great energy. I just feel like everybody on the team is ready to play ball, show out and show everybody what we can do.”

In 2019, Wiggins had some breakout moments, and finished with 20 receptions, for 335 yards and 4 touchdowns.

Wiggins also touched on the new offense and OC Rhett Lashlee.

“I feel comfortable. We’re moving fast, getting a lot of plays in,” Wiggins said.

The freshman wide receivers have been doing a job so far in camp, with Xavier Restrepo, Keyshawn Smith, Dazalin Worsham and Michael Redding III. Here’s what Wiggins had to say about them.

“The freshmen have made me take my game to another level, made me watch film a lot more,” Wiggins said. “I think Coach Likens have put pressure on the older guys.”

Then finally, Wiggins is high on quarterback D’Eriq King.

“He’s very accurate, he’s a great quarterback. He’s a leader and that’s what we need.”