2003: 11 TT, 10 Solo, 1 Assts, 15 SpT, 0.0 Sacks, 0 TFL, 0 FF, 0 FR, 0 Ints, 1 PD
Chris Hope, in his second year with the Steelers, impressed with his hard-hitting style of play with special teams and also got out on the field during the season in some of the pass coverage packages. The highlight of Hope’s career so far came in the season finale against Baltimore when he scored an 81-yard touchdown on a fake punt and pass from Josh Miller. Also notable was a devastating block he executed in the October game, against St. Louis, to spring Antwaan Randle El for an 84-yard punt return for a touchdown. Hope looks to be the front-runner for what should be an open position at free safety come 2004 summer camp. The physical style of play he demonstrated in 2003 has definitely gotten many Steelers fans hoping that he can master the position to become a starter.
2002: 12 Total Tackles - 12 Solo, 0 ASSTs, 0 Sacks, 0 Stuffs. 0 FFs, 0 INTs, PDs.
In 2002, Chris proved on special teams that he could carry his hard-hitting play into the pros and was a key tackler for the Steelers in that area. With injuries in the secondary, he also got some opportunities to show his tackling skills during the season playing in the third-down defenses. He was credited with a quarterback hit/pressure against Jacksonville in December. There is reason to be optimistic about Chris' potential after his rookie season, although he is still rather untested as far as pass coverage. He will have a huge opportunity to at least become a regular back in the dime and nickel defenses in 2003, and both starting safety positions will likely be up for grabs also.
Chris Hope was drafted by the Steelers in the third round of the 2002 draft. It is hoped that he will be able to make a quick transition to the pros and become a starter at one of the safety positions. At Florida State, he was one of the nation's top safeties and earned Academic All-American honors. Chris was a three-year starter who performed in the school's last two national championship games. Twice he earned the award for being the most dependable defensive back. He finished his remarkable career with 234 tackles (149 solo and 7 behind the line of scrimmage) 18 passes deflected, 9 interceptions, 3 fumbles caused, and 2 fumbles recovered. Although strength is not a question for him (he can bench press over 400 pounds), he will have to prove that he has the necessary speed. |
