Jacob Copeland
{{Short description|American football player (born 1999)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2024}}
{{Infobox NFL biography
| name = Jacob Copeland
| image = Jacob_Copeland.png
| image_size =
| caption = Copeland in 2022
| currentteam =
| number =
| position = Wide receiver
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1999|7|20}}
| birth_place = Pensacola, Florida, U.S.
| height_ft = 5
| height_in = 11
| weight_lb = 200
| highlights =
| high_school = Escambia (FL)
| college = Florida (2019–2021)
Maryland (2022)
| undraftedyear = 2023
| pastteams =
- Tennessee Titans ({{NFL Year|2023}})*
- Minnesota Vikings ({{NFL Year|2023}})*
- Pittsburgh Steelers ({{NFL Year|2023}})*
- Kansas City Chiefs ({{NFL Year|2024}})*
- Pittsburgh Steelers ({{NFL Year|2024}})*
- DC Defenders ({{UFL Year|2025}})*
- Edmonton Elks ({{CFL Year|2025}})*
| status =
| cflstatus =
| pfr = CopeJa00
}}
Jacob Darnell Copeland (born July 20, 1999) is an American professional football wide receiver. He played college football for Florida and Maryland.{{Cite news |last=Sammon |first=Will |date=September 10, 2019 |title=How Jacob Copeland has patiently prepared for increased opportunities at Florida |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/1199642/2019/09/10/jacob-copeland-florida-receiver-patience-opportunity/ |access-date=March 25, 2023 |work=The Athletic}}
Early life
Copeland was raised in Pensacola, Florida, by his mother, Betty Copeland. His father, Darrick Bennett, was absent from his life as he spent periods in prison and died when Copeland was aged 13.{{cite web |last1=Shankar |first1=Varun |title=Loss shaped Jacob Copeland. The lessons he learned from it drive him forward. |url=https://dbknews.com/2022/09/16/maryland-football-jacob-copeland-florida/ |website=The Diamondback |access-date=October 26, 2023 |date=September 16, 2022}} Copeland's childhood home was in a crime-ridden neighborhood where he would witness robberies and shootings. In one incident when Copeland was aged eight, his half-brother was shot three times in the front yard but survived.
Copeland began playing youth football aged six. When he was 12, he moved into the home of his coach, Trampas Miller, after the Miller family expressed concern about Copeland's living conditions. Copeland credits the Miller family for saving his life.
Copeland attended Escambia High School in Pensacola, Florida and came out as a four-star recruit.{{Cite news |last=Murphy |first=Tonja |date=February 16, 2018 |title=That signing day mom did at least 1 thing right - and we should pay attention |url=https://eu.clarionledger.com/story/magnolia/faith/2018/02/16/florida-gators-jacob-copelands-mom-prodigal-national-signing-day-why/341975002/ |access-date=March 25, 2023 |work=Clarion Ledger}} He committed to the University of Florida on February 7, 2018,{{Cite web |title=Jacob Copeland, Maryland Terrapins, Wide Receiver |url=https://247sports.com/Player/Jacob-Copeland-78979/ |access-date=February 16, 2024 |website=247Sports |language=en-US}} during a nationally televised press conference that went viral because his mother walked out after Copeland made his selection.{{cite web |last1=Achatz |first1=Brian |title=Escambia's Jacob Copeland signs with Florida |url=https://www.pnj.com/story/sports/high-school/2018/02/07/breaking-escambias-jacob-copeland-signs-florida/311255002/ |website=Pensacola News Journal |access-date=October 26, 2023 |date=February 7, 2018}} Betty Copeland, who was raised in Alabama, claims that she walked out because she wanted him to choose her hometown team at the University of Alabama and he changed his mind without telling her. It has been wrongly speculated that her disapproval was because of gang relations that Copeland maintained in Florida which has been vehemently denied by Copeland and his family.
College career
Copeland went to both University of Florida{{Cite news |last=Hall |first=Graham |date=October 21, 2019 |title=Copeland growing as Gators target |url=https://eu.jacksonville.com/story/sports/college/uf-gators/2019/10/21/jacob-copeland-growing-as-gators-target/2478808007/ |access-date=March 25, 2023 |work=The Florida Times-Union}}{{Cite news |last=Abolverdi |first=Zach |date=July 19, 2021 |title=Why did Jacob Copeland get the Gators' sought-after No. 1 jersey? |url=https://eu.gainesville.com/story/sports/college/football/2021/07/19/why-did-jacob-copeland-switch-numbers-dan-mullen-talks-floridas-jacob-copeland-earning-no-1-offseaso/8017419002/ |access-date=March 25, 2023 |work=The Gainesville Sun}} and University of Maryland, College Park.{{Cite news |last=McFadden |first=Ryan |date=April 19, 2022 |title=Maryland football transfer Jacob Copeland is learning to fit into an already talented wide receivers room |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/terps/bs-sp-maryland-football-jacob-copeland-20220419-ljwfw2lxkbe4tgmhhquqsx6h34-story.html |access-date=March 25, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Sun}}
=Florida=
During his freshman year at Florida, Copeland was redshirted, only appearing in three games. He had a kick return for 26 yards and a pass reception for 16 yards. During the 2019 season, he had 21 catches for 273 yards (13.0 avg) with two touchdowns on offense and special teams, playing in all 13 games. Additionally, he averaged 2.8 yards rushing (his long 15), along with his first tackle. As a sophomore in 2020, he played in 11 of 12 games, with 23 receptions for 435 yards (18.9 avg) and three touchdowns.{{Cite news |last=Festo |first=Alan |date=August 15, 2021 |title=Much expected from Gators' new No.1 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121602016/much-expected-from-gators-new-no1/ |access-date=March 25, 2023 |work=The News-Press}} In the 2021 season, Copeland appeared in all games (11 starts), with 38 receptions for 607 yards and four touchdowns.{{Cite web |title=Jacob Copeland - Football |url=https://floridagators.com/sports/football/roster/jacob-copeland/14334 |access-date=February 16, 2024 |website=Florida Gators Athletics |language=en}} After the Bowl Game against UCF, he entered the transfer portal.{{Cite news |last=Sallee |first=Barrett |date=December 9, 2021 |title=Florida WR Jacob Copeland enters transfer portal following strong season as Gators' top pass-catcher |url=https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/florida-wr-jacob-copeland-enters-transfer-portal-following-strong-season-as-gators-top-pass-catcher/ |access-date=March 25, 2023 |work=CBS Sports}}
=Maryland=
On December 24, 2021, Copeland announced he was transferring to the University of Maryland, College Park.{{Cite news |last=Rosenberg |first=David |date=December 24, 2021 |title=Receiver Jacob Copeland transfers to Maryland from Florida |url=https://gatorswire.usatoday.com/2021/12/24/jacob-copeland-transfer-portal-maryland-terrapins/ |access-date=March 25, 2023 |work=Gatorswire |publisher=USA Today}} During his junior year, he had 422 yards and three touchdowns. Against Indiana, Copeland led the Terps with 62 receiving yards on four receptions.{{Cite web |title=Jacob Copeland - Football |url=https://umterps.com/sports/football/roster/jacob--copeland/10376 |access-date=March 25, 2023 |website=University of Maryland Athletics}} On December 2, 2022, Copeland announced that he would be skipping the Bowl and his senior year to enter the 2023 NFL draft.{{Cite news |last=Gerbo |first=George |date=December 1, 2022 |title=Opt-outs and transfers hit Maryland hard ahead of bowl announcement |url=https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2022/dec/1/terps-top-three-maryland-without-key-players-for-b/ |access-date=March 25, 2023 |work=The Washington Times}}
Professional career
=East-West Shrine Bowl=
Copeland originally planned to go to the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl with former teammate Durell Nchami.{{Cite news |last=Dickson |first=Ben |date=December 28, 2022 |title=MM 12.28: Maryland football wide receiver Jacob Copeland to play in NFLPA Collegiate Bowl |url=https://www.testudotimes.com/2022/12/28/23528697/mm-12-28-maryland-football-wide-receiver-jacob-copeland-to-play-in-nflpa-collegiate-bowl |access-date=March 25, 2023 |work=Testudo Times |publisher=SB Nation}} He instead got moved to the 2023 East-West Shrine Bowl. There he shined on the third day of practice.{{Cite news |last=Pauline |first=Tony |date=January 31, 2023 |title=Monday 2023 Shrine Bowl Risers: Kei'Trel Clark and Arquon Bush Continue To Impress |url=https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2023-shrine-bowl-risers-sliders-practice-monday/ |access-date=March 25, 2023 |work=profootballnetwork.com}} He further showed his catch ability the following day in practice.{{Cite magazine |last=Flick |first=Daniel |date=February 1, 2023 |title=Falcons Shrine Bowl Day 4 Recap: Risers, Fallers & Notes |url=https://www.si.com/nfl/falcons/news/atlanta-falcons-east-west-shrine-bowl-practice-recap-risers-fallers-notes |access-date=February 16, 2024 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |language=en}} During the game Copeland caught one pass for seven yards (his only target).{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/boxscore/_/gameId/401495502|title=East vs. West - College Football box score|website=espn.com}}
=Combine=
On January 3, 2023, Copeland accepted an invitation to the NFL Combine along with fellow Maryland players Deonte Banks, Dontay Demus Jr., Jakorian Bennett, Rakim Jarrett, Jaelyn Duncan and Chad Ryland.{{Cite web |last=Iacovacci |first=Jonathan |date=January 3, 2023 |title=MM 1.3: Multiple Terps invited to 2023 NFL Scouting Combine |url=https://www.testudotimes.com/2023/1/3/23536557/mm-1-3-four-terps-invited-to-nfl-scouting-combine-jacob-copeland-dontay-demus-chad-ryland-bennett |access-date=February 16, 2024 |website=Tesudo Times}}{{Cite web |last=Ermann |first=Jeff |date=January 27, 2023 |title=Maryland football receives most NFL Draft Combine invites since 1987 |url=https://247sports.com/college/maryland/Article/Maryland-football-receives-most-NFL-Draft-Combine-invites-since-1987-203760294/ |access-date=February 16, 2024 |website=247sports.com}}
{{NFL predraft
| height ft = 5
| height in = 11 1/4
| weight = 201
| dash = 4.42
| ten split = 1.51
| twenty split = 2.56
| shuttle = 4.47
| cone drill = 7.01
| vertical = 33.0
| broad ft = 10
| broad in = 7
| bench = 20
| arm span = 31 5/8
| hand span = 8 5/8
| wonderlic =
| note = All values from NFL Combine{{Cite web |url=https://www.nfl.com/prospects/jacob-copeland/3200434f-5035-6703-9078-552ccef448d3 |title=Jacob Copeland Draft and Combine Prospect Profile |website=NFL.com |access-date=March 22, 2023}}{{Cite web |url=https://draftscout.com/dsprofile.php?PlayerId=1029565&DraftYear=2023 |title=2023 NFL Draft Scout Jacob Copeland College Football Profile |access-date=April 12, 2023 |website=DraftScout.com}}
}}
=Tennessee Titans=
On April 29, 2023, Copeland signed with the Tennessee Titans as an undrafted free agent.{{Cite web |last=Chodes |first=Andrew |date=April 29, 2023 |title=Jacob Copeland signs with Tennessee Titans as undrafted free agent |url=https://www.testudotimes.com/2023/4/29/23697067/jacob-copeland-signs-with-tennessee-titans-as-undrafted-free-agent |access-date=August 2, 2023 |website=Testudo Times |language=en}} He was waived on August 2.{{Cite web |last=Melo |first=Justin |date=August 2, 2023 |title=Titans sign C Jimmy Murray, waive WR Jacob Copeland |url=https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/2023/8/2/23817834/titans-sign-c-jimmy-murray-waive-wr-jacob-copeland |access-date=August 2, 2023 |website=Music City Miracles |language=en}}
=Minnesota Vikings=
On August 7, 2023, Copeland signed with the Minnesota Vikings.{{Cite web |last=Peters |first=Craig |date=August 7, 2023 |title=Vikings Sign Receiver Jacob Copeland |url=https://www.vikings.com/news/jacob-copeland-signed-wide-receiver |access-date=February 16, 2024 |website=Vikings.com}} He was waived on August 29, 2023.{{Cite web |last=Peters |first=Craig |date=August 29, 2023 |title=Vikings Set Initial 53-Man Roster for 2023 |url=https://www.vikings.com/news/roster-moves-initial-53-man-waived-injured-2023 |access-date=October 24, 2023 |website=Vikings.com}}
=Pittsburgh Steelers (first stint)=
On September 12, 2023, Copeland signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers practice squad.{{Cite web |last=Varley |first=Teresa |date=September 12, 2023 |title=Steelers make roster moves |url=https://www.steelers.com/news/steelers-make-roster-moves-x0500 |access-date=February 16, 2024 |website=Steelers.com}} He was released from the practice squad on October 3.{{Cite web |last=Varley |first=Teresa |date=October 3, 2023 |title=Steelers make practice squad moves |url=https://www.steelers.com/news/steelers-make-practice-squad-moves-x7754 |access-date=February 16, 2024 |website=Steelers.com}} Copeland was re-signed to the practice squad on November 28, but released a week later.{{Cite web |last=Varley |first=Teresa |date=November 28, 2023 |title=Steelers make practice squad moves |url=https://www.steelers.com/news/steelers-make-practice-squad-moves-x9541 |access-date=November 29, 2023 |website=Steelers.com}}{{Cite web |last=Varley |first=Teresa |date=December 4, 2023 |title=Steelers sign McSorley to practice squad |url=https://www.steelers.com/news/steelers-sign-mcsorley-to-practice-squad |access-date=February 14, 2024 |website=Steelers.com}}
=Kansas City Chiefs=
On January 10, 2024, Copeland signed a reserve/future contract with the Kansas City Chiefs.{{Cite web |last=Sapp |first=Jared |date=January 11, 2024 |title=Chiefs sign 4 free agents to Reserve/Future contracts |url=https://www.arrowheadpride.com/2024/1/11/24033938/chiefs-roster-ian-book-jacob-copeland-hassan-hall-jordan-smith-signed |access-date=February 14, 2024 |website=Arrowhead Pride |publisher=SB Nation}} He was waived on May 4, 2024.{{Cite web |date=May 4, 2024 |title=Chiefs Announce Roster Moves |url=https://www.chiefs.com/news/chiefs-announce-roster-moves-x9527 |access-date=2025-03-15 |website=Chiefs.com}}
=Pittsburgh Steelers (second stint)=
On June 21, 2024, Copeland signed a one-year contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers.{{cite web | last=Varley | first=Teresa | title=Copeland signed to one-year contract | website=Steelers.com | date=2024-06-21 | url=https://www.steelers.com/news/copeland-signed-to-one-year-contract | access-date=2024-10-18}} He was waived on August 26.{{Cite web |last=Varley |first=Teresa |date=August 26, 2024 |title=Steelers make first round of roster moves |url=https://www.steelers.com/news/steelers-make-first-round-of-roster-moves-x0324 |access-date=2025-03-15 |website=Steelers.com}}
=DC Defenders=
On December 4, 2024, Copeland signed with the DC Defenders of the United Football League (UFL).{{Cite web |title=UFL Transactions |url=https://uflboard.com/ufl-transactions/ |access-date=2024-12-05 |website=UFLBoard.com |language=en-US}} He was released on March 20, 2025.{{Cite web |last=Perry |first=Mark |date=2025-03-20 |title=PR: DC Defenders Set Opening Day Final Roster |url=https://uflnewshub.com/ufl/pr-dc-defenders-set-opening-day-final-roster/ |access-date=2025-03-20 |language=en-US}}
=Edmonton Elks=
The Edmonton Elks of the CFL announced the signing of Copeland on April 9, 2025. He was released on May 10.{{cite web | title=TRANSACTIONS: Elks make releases prior to Training Camp | website=Edmonton Elks | date=2025-05-09 | url=https://www.goelks.com/2025/05/09/transactions-elks-make-releases-prior-to-training-camp/ | access-date=2025-06-07}}
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- [https://umterps.com/sports/football/roster/jacob-copeland/10376 Maryland Terrapins bio]
- [https://floridagators.com/sports/football/roster/jacob-copeland/14334 Florida Gators bio]
{{Edmonton Elks roster navbox}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Copeland, Jacob}}
Category:Players of American football from Pensacola, Florida
Category:Florida Gators football players
Category:Maryland Terrapins football players
Category:American football wide receivers
Category:Tennessee Titans players
Category:Minnesota Vikings players
Category:Pittsburgh Steelers players