It's the play call which every defensive player loves to get.
Blitz.
Against Michigan State last Friday, Western Michigan University redshirt sophomore safety Joey Pope did just that. The first-year starter, who came to WMU as a walk-on, tore into the backfield and dropped running back Elijah Tau-Tolliver for a five-yard loss, marking Pope's first career tackle from his defensive position.
''I came over to Coach O'Leary (defensive coordinator/safeties coach Chris O'Leary) and told him I loved the play call,'' Pope said. ''I hear a lot about how small I am (5-feet-11, 165 pounds) so it was nice to get out there, make a play and show I can play with some of the bigger guys.