Florida WR Jacob Copeland becomes fifth Gators player to enter transfer portal

Football

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Image Credit: Anissa Dimilta, UAA

Redshirt junior wide receiver Jacob Copeland on Thursday became the fifth Florida Gators football player to enter his name in the NCAA transfer portal at the conclusion of the 2021 college football season. This after he outwardly displayed frustration both in games and online throughout the campaign.

Copeland stood as Florida’s leading receiver this season with 607 yards and four touchdowns on 39 catches; however, both he and Gator Nation expected those totals to be far higher given the team’s massive departures at the wideout position after the 2020 season.

“I have learned and developed so much while attending the University of Florida over the last 4 years! After much thought, prayer and discussions with my friends and family, I have made the decision to enter the Transfer Portal,” Copeland wrote in a Twitter graphic. “This has not been an easy decision or one that I have taken lightly; however, I want to do what is best for my development by pursuing my goals and furthering my career. … Although my last game as a Gator is coming soon, I will always be a Gator at heart!”

Based on these comments, it appears as if Copeland is planning to play for Florida in the 2021 Gasparilla Bowl against UCF later this month.

Copeland’s transfer is not surprising given he could often be seen annoyed during games and frequently vented his frustration on social media, both on Twitter posts and in answering fan questions on Instagram.

That’s not to say Copeland’s career was without his faults on the field as there were numerous times he dropped passes in key situations that stalled drives. The Gators, however, got the ball to him far too infrequently as he would go extraordinarily long stretches or even games without significant numbers of touches.

A former four-star prospect who was the No. 69 overall player in the Class of 2018, Copeland’s commitment was a major coup for former Florida head coach Dan Mullen as he was the top signee of Mullen’s first full class. It’s fair to say the relationship — in both directions — did not live up to expectations.

The four other Florida players already in the portal are redshirt freshman offensive tackle Gerald Mincey and defensive linemen junior Khris Bogle, redshirt sophomore Lloyd Summerall III and redshirt junior Dante Zanders.