Copeland solid to Florida Gators and sees opportunities

The Florida Gators recruiting visitors list on Saturday was loaded with big time prospects including many of the Gators 2018 commits.

One of those commits in the house was receiver Jacob Copeland (6-0, 191, Pensacola, FL. Escambia) who was back for the first time since he committed this summer.

“It still the same thing, all love, all love like always,” Copeland said. “It’s just good to be back and just check out the atmosphere and everything like that. It’s always good, great fan base.”

Copeland arrived in the Swamp and instantly was asked by head coach Jim McElwain to sit down with him where the head coach gave the receiver a message.

“When I first got here, Mac [Coach McElwain] wanted to see me so I went down to see him,” he said on the coaches he talked to on Saturday. “He was just saying that he needs me here and he’s ready for me to come in and put on that Orange and Blue and make an impact on the team and do work.”

Having the head coach recruiting you personally is something that Copeland likes and appreciates.

“Just knowing that I always talk to Mac and he already treats me like I’m already a player,” Copeland said on the feeling of having McElwain recruiting him personally. “It makes it important for me and this feels like home for me every time I come.”

Linebackers coach Tim Skipper is also recruiting Copeland hard and explaining why they need him in this class.

“That lot of receivers are going to be gone, like [Antonio] Callaway, Brandon Powell and couple of others,” Copeland said on the message from Florida. “I feel like I can come in and make an impact too because I know I’m going to come in and work. I’m going to come in for the big dog spot and just take over.”

Saturday’s visit was a little different for Copeland as he was able to see how the Gators play the best player and not the most experienced.

“Just knowing that they’re playing a lot of true freshmen,” he said on what stood out about this game and visit. “That’s a good standout right there because if I come in and work then I can be the next true freshman to play. Possibly even be an All-American.”

On Saturday, Copeland also spent a lot of time with quarterback commit Matt Corral and the two are building a bond already.

“We’ve got a great relationship,” Copeland said of his relationship with Matt Corral. “We’ve been together all day hanging out so we going to just keep building on.”

Despite his Florida commitment Copeland says that Alabama is coming after him hard but he’s not wavering he says.

“They’re coming at me and hitting me hard,” he said on Alabama’s coaches. “They really want me. I’m still committed to Florida though.”

Copeland has maintained that he wants to take his five official visits but he’s unsure of where those will be too.

“I’m most likely going to take mine after the season,” Copeland said on official visits. “I might take it to the west coach, like Oregon because they’ve been hitting my hard too.”

Next up for Copeland is likely another trip to Gainesville but the receiver says he’s still trying to decide.

“I’ll be back down here soon, I haven’t decided if I’m coming next week or not,” he said on visits to Florida. “I’ll be back though.”

INSIDERS TAKE: Copeland is solid to Florida but will continue to take visits especially his official visits. Copeland will take his last official to Florida and will also be back several times this year.