Tag: Jacob Copeland

Here’s where Florida’s incoming transfers stand, per 247Sports

The Top247 transfer rankings have been finalized and there are five incoming Gators on the list.

It’s no secret that Florida has seen a decent amount of movement through the transfer portal this offseason, and there’s reason to be excited about the new names and faces coming to Gainesville next season.

247Sports finalized its Top247 college football transfer portal player rankings, and five incoming Gators made the cut. Offensive guard [autotag]O’Cyrus Torrence[/autotag] leads the way at No. 33 overall and is joined by fellow Louisiana-Lafayette offensive line transfer [autotag]Kamryn Waites[/autotag] at No. 41.

Torrence was a three-year starter for the Ragin’ Cajuns and [autotag]Billy Napier[/autotag] decided that his skill set fit the needs of his new team. Playing his final year in the Southeastern Conference should help his draft stock rise, assuming he takes the step forward he’s expected to. Waites only played one year at ULL, but Florida needed offensive linemen and he’s got the size (6-foot-8-inches, 358-pounds) to compete at the highest level in college football.

Next up is former Georgia cornerback [autotag]Jalen Kimber[/autotag] at No. 49 on the list. Kimber was targeted by cornerbacks coach [autotag]Corey Raymond[/autotag] after playing just three games in two years at UGA due to a shoulder injury that limited him for most of 2021. He likely would have seen plenty of playing time with the Bulldogs this season had he stayed, but now he’ll compete for a starting job at Florida instead.

[autotag]Montrell Jonhson[/autotag], the third Lousiana transfer to make the cut, is ranked No. 70 among transfers and has a shot to be a major contributor in his first season with the Gators. He knows Napier’s playbook and was the Sun Belt Freshman of the Year in 2021 after rushing for 838 yards on 162 attempts (5.17 yards per carry) and 12 touchdowns.

Finally, there’s the newest addition to the team, Arizona State transfer [autotag]Ricky Pearsall[/autotag] at No. 155 on the list. He was one of the best receivers in the Pac-12 last season and gives the Gators some depth at a position where they don’t have much experience from returning players to rely on.

Of course, Florida did lose its share of Top247 talent as well. The Gators lost linebacker [autotag]Mohamoud Diabate[/autotag] (No. 42) to Utah, receiver [autotag]Jacob Copeland[/autotag] (No. 60) to Maryland, linebacker [autotag]Ty’Ron Hopper[/autotag] (No. 86) to Missouri, EDGE [autotag]Khris Bogle[/autotag] (No. 88) to [autotag]Michigan State [/autotag]and tight end [autotag]Kemore Gamble[/autotag] (No. 135) to UCF.

Quarterback [autotag]Jack Miller[/autotag] is the only incoming transfer not ranked by 247Sports. [autotag]Emory Jones[/autotag],[autotag] Carlos Del Rio-Wilson[/autotag] and [autotag]Gerald Mincey[/autotag] comprise the list of outgoing players that failed to make the Top247.

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Revisiting Florida football’s 2018 recruiting class with The Athletic

Here’s what The Athletic thinks about Florida’s 2018 recruiting crop.

Once upon a time, Florida football was among the top destinations in the nation for college recruits, regularly bringing in some of the top classes back in the aughts. However, over the past decade since the departure of Urban Meyer, the program has been mired in a streak of mediocrity on the recruiting front that has permitted the Alabama Crimson Tide and Georgia Bulldogs to seize control of the Southeastern Conference.

Max Olsen at The Athletic recently took a look back at the top 25 recruiting classes of the 2018 cycle to reassess where he went right and wrong in his initial take four years ago. The Gators came in at No. 14 back then and, thanks in part to having the highest-picked tight end in NFL draft history along with some other solid professional talent, were bumped up to No. 13 in the update.

Utilizing a consistent scoring system based on a 0-to-5 scale, Olsen assessed scholarship players and walk-ons who earned scholarships based on their achievements over four years, rather than projecting what they could do in the future. Take a look at how things broke things down below.

Adjusted average: 2.67
Class rank in 2018: 14th
Four-year record: 35-16
Attrition: 50%

Top signees: TE [autotag]Kyle Pitts[/autotag], WR [autotag]Van Jefferson[/autotag], OL [autotag]Richard Gouraige[/autotag], K [autotag]Evan McPherson[/autotag], RB [autotag]Dameon Pierce[/autotag]

When Pitts made his decision in the summer of 2017, the four-star recruit announced his Florida pledge on a roller-coaster ride.

Three months later, the head coach to whom he committed was abruptly fired. [autotag]Dan Mullen[/autotag] replaced [autotag]Jim McElwain[/autotag] and Pitts stuck to his pledge. Fortunately, the future All-American and Pro Bowler was able to get off the ride before it got rough.

Mullen inherited Pitts, Gouraige, Pierce and some solid players in the class. He and his staff made some big splashes by flipping quarterback [autotag]Emory Jones[/autotag] away from Ohio State and upgrading at wide receiver with [autotag]Jacob Copeland[/autotag] and touted transfers Jefferson and [autotag]Trevon Grimes[/autotag].

They helped the program win a lot of games in their first three seasons together before the Gators slid in 2021. Ten members of the class ended up leaving the program, which is not uncommon for a transition class. But it’s probably worth noting that among the 2018 signees who’ve become full-time starters, only one (cornerback [autotag]Trey Dean III[/autotag]) plays on defense.

There were a lot of familiar names in that passage, several of whom were significant contributors to the team over the past few seasons. That the program could remain steady amidst the coaching turnover that season is a positive sign for Gators fans this season as their beloved Orange and Blue are currently facing the same challenge. A recruiting class like that in 2018 would be a solid first step for new head coach [autotag]Billy Napier[/autotag] and his staff.

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Receiver Jacob Copeland transfers to Maryland from Florida

Florida will need to find a new No. 1 receiver as Jacob Copeland officially announces his transfer to Maryland.

Wide receiver Jacob Copeland has played his last game as a Florida Gator.

The former four-star recruit announced his decision to transfer to the University of Maryland just a day after suiting up for the Gators against UCF in the Gasparilla Bowl. Copeland’s final performance was a quiet one, but he was the team’s leading receiver this year and will be a valuable addition to the Terrapins’ offense.

Copeland entered the transfer portal on Dec. 9 and a crystal ball prediction for Maryland from InsideMDSports’ Jeff Erman came in just a week later. It was surprising to see Copeland on the field on Thursday, but it appears his mind may have already been made up.

Maryland made the announcement official just a few moments after Copeland posted. He leaves the University of Florida with 86 career receptions, 1,366 receiving yards and nine receiving touchdowns over 40 games.

Without Copeland, Florida needs to figure out who will be the new No. 1 on the offense. Justin Shorter appears to be healthier than expected after suffering a brutal hit against UCF. He was the team’s next most productive receiver this year and could be in line for a promotion if he returns. Xzavier Henderson and Trent Whittemore have also seen enough action to make an impact in 2022.

Copeland should thrive catching passes from Taulia Tagovailoa in the Big Ten. He threw for nearly 3600 yards this season and connected with his receivers for 24 touchdowns. The Terps could have one of the best receiving corps in the country with Copeland joining Dontay Demus Jr., Jeshaun Jones and Rakim Jarrett.

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Report: Florida’s top receiver to play in Gasparilla Bowl despite transfer portal

Florida should have its top receiver against UCF despite him being in the transfer portal.

Florida’s leading receiver Jacob Copeland entered the transfer portal earlier in the month, but he’s warming up on the field ahead of the Gasparilla Bowl, according to On3’s Nick de la Torre.

Copeland entered the portal on December 9 and already has a crystal ball projection to Maryland under his name, but he’ll have one more chance to impress any potential suitors. Copeland led the Gators this season with 39 receptions, 607 receiving yards and four receiving touchdowns. He said that his “last game as a Gator” was coming soon in his social media announcement, but it looked like the team would be without him against UCF.

Emory Jones will be playing his last game as a Gator before entering the transfer portal as well, so the two could pair up and leave on a high note. It’s unlikely either will end up staying with the program, but it’s still a possibility.

Copeland’s best game this year came at Raymond James Stadium against USF in Week 2. He brought in five passes for 175 yards and two touchdowns. A repeat performance against UCF would be a dream scenario.

In bowl games, Copeland has just two career receptions for 23 yards. He didn’t play against Oklahoma last season in the Cotton Bowl due to multiple positive COVID tests. He was limited to just two catches for six yards against Alabama in the SEC Championship, though.

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Is this Florida receiver transferring to the Big Ten?

Khris Bogle transferred to Michigan State earlier in the week. Could this former Gator also make his way to the Big Ten?

Florida’s leading receiver Jacob Copeland entered the transfer portal on December 9, and the first crystal ball prediction from 247Sports has come in just eight days later for the University of Maryland.

Jeff Ermann, the publisher at 247Sports’  InsideMDSports, entered the selection with a confidence score of eight (out of a possible 10) and said that Copeland “appears likely” to transfer to Maryland. The former top-100 receiver took on the No. 1 jersey this year at Florida and led the team in receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns.

Frustration over a lack of targets showed at times throughout the season, and Copeland’s clock is ticking to impress NFL scouts and make it to the pros. Being the top guy at an elite program in the Southeastern Conference would get him the attention he desires, but the Big Ten works just as well and he could put up some gaudy numbers for the Terps.

Maryland is losing several veterans and Copeland’s major competition, fifth-year senior Dontay Demus, is coming off a serious knee injury. It seems like a good fit on paper, and Copeland’s departure isn’t particularly shocking after following Florida’s disappointing season.

It doesn’t sound like Billy Napier will be able to get this one back, but he’ll have Justin Shorter, Trent Whittemore, Xzavier Henderson and plenty of other talented receivers to work with next year. He could also make a splash of his own in the transfer portal.

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Here are all of the Gators who have entered the transfer portal

The one-time exemption rule has made the transfer portal college football’s free agency, and Florida is losing players left and right.

Florida lost several commits after the hire of Billy Napier, and a number of Gators have entered the transfer portal following the coaching change.

Players now have the luxury of a one-time transfer exemption, giving them the option to move on to a new program without any delay in eligibility. A coaching change can provoke players to transfer, and Florida is losing some of its top producers just as Napier gets settled in Gainesville.

Entering the portal isn’t a guaranteed departure from the team, though. Many players do so to keep their options open when the situation becomes uncertain. Napier could wind up wooing some of these guys back after meeting with them.

Here’s a look at every Gator that’s entered the transfer portal since Napier was hired on November 28.

Florida football’s top receiver latest to enter transfer portal

That makes it five Gators in the transfer portal now as Florida loses it’s top receiver.

Florida starting receiver Jacob Copeland announced his intention to enter the transfer portal on Thursday making him the fifth Gator to leave following the hiring of coach Billy Napier.

Copeland started all 12 games for Florida this season and led the team in receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns. But it wasn’t the year Copeland imagined when he decided to put on the No. 1 jersey, and a lack of targets seemingly frustrated him throughout the year as he voiced his displeasure on social media.

The talented young receiver isn’t leaving Florida on a sour note, though. He plans to play his “last game as a Gator” soon and thanked Gator Nation for four years of support.

The writing was on the wall for Copeland’s departure from the program, but he’s still giving up being the No. 1 guy for an SEC program. Copeland’s mother infamously left the decision table in 2018 when her son picked up the Florida hat with her next to him decked out in Alabama gear. She may get her wish in the end as Copeland looks to up his draft stock with two years of eligibility left thanks to the free COVID year every player got.

The Gators still have plenty of talented receivers on the roster. Justin Shorter was the team’s second-best receiver this season and he’ll return next year barring a transfer of his own. That would require him to sit out an extra year so it’s unlikely at this point. Trent Whittemore should take over in the slot with Rick Wells graduating, and the Gators have plenty of depth with guys like Xzavier Henderson, Jaquavion Fraziars and Ja’Markis Weston.

Losing Copeland certainly won’t be easy to deal with, but Napier and Florida should manage. Prior to his final game, Copeland has totaled 84 receptions, 1,331 receiving yards and nine touchdowns.

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Behind Enemy Lines: Preview of Alabama-Florida with Gators Wire

Behind Enemy Lines: Preview of Alabama-Florida with Gators Wire

No. 1 Alabama was able to take care of Miami and Mercer the first two weeks of the season. But now they have their sights set on the Gators as they travel to “The Swamp” this Saturday.

We had a chance to catch up with Tyler Nettuno of Gators Wire to get a closer look at the 2021 Gators! Here are his thoughts.

WATCH: Anthony Richardson throws 75-yard touchdown on first pass against USF

The redshirt freshman quarterback entered the game on the third series, and he didn’t take long to make a big impact.

Florida’s quarterback competition got a little bit more interesting on Saturday. On the third series of the game, Anthony Richardson entered the game to spell Emory Jones, who had missed a couple throws on the first two drives.

Richardson didn’t take long to impress once again. On his first play, he faked the handoff, rolled to the left and immediately turned his eyes downfield. That’s when he saw receiver Jacob Copeland flying uncovered toward the end zone.

The redshirt freshman loaded up and hit his target in stride, and Copeland scampered across the goal line to extend Florida’s lead over the South Florida Bulls to 14-3.

Richardson dazzled with his legs last week, rushing for 160 yards and a touchdown against Florida Atlantic. But this is the first time we’ve really seen him show off his cannon successfully this season.

Despite the impressive play, Jones re-entered the game on the next drive, leading a drive that culminated in a touchdown pass to Xzavier Henderson. It will be interesting to see how this battle continues to play out throughout the game.

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Gators receiving core still at the top of SEC despite losses from last year

Different isn’t always worse. Florida’s receiving core is still at the top of the conference despite losing Pitts and Toney to the NFL.

Most people are quick to mention that Florida’s offense will be different this year without Kyle Trask, Kyle Pitts and Kadarius Toney. Different doesn’t mean taking a giant step back though, and The Athletic projects the Gators receivers and tight ends to be the best group in the Southeastern Conference this year.

Replacing Toney, and wearing the coveted No. 1 on his chest, is Jacob Copeland, whose mother famously walked away from the decision table when her son chose UF over Alabama. Copeland has played in 27 games over three years with the team and hauled in 45 receptions for 724 yards and five touchdowns. He could eclipse those numbers this season if he can lower his drop rate and click with new starting quarterback Emory Jones.

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Copeland will have help from Justin Shorter, who is in his second season with the Gators after transferring from Penn State. The former five-star recruit was the top-ranked receiver in Copeland’s class, and the two could be scary for Florida together.

While there’s no replacing a player like Pitts, Kemore Gamble is looking to break out at tight end this season. Keon Zipperer has also seen action in the post-Pitts era, and freshman Nick Elksnis has impressed over fall camp. Tight ends coach Tim Brewster called his group “the most complete room in the country” in early August, and The Athletic agrees for at least the SEC.

Trent Whittemore, Rick Wells and Xzavier Henderson also look to play a role in the passing scheme for Florida, but Jones is expected to throw less often than Trask did.

The Gators own the top spot of The Athletic’s SEC receivers and tight ends rankings, beating out Alabama and Texas A&M. So the next time someone mentions the departures of the big three, remind them that there’s more to come from Florida’s offense.

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