Florida Gators wide receiver Jacob Copeland breaking the cycle
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — When you spend your entire childhood and upbringing playing a sport, you do it out of love for the game. Along the course of this athletic journey, obstacles will emerge and take many forms. They could be related to personal issues, family grievances, academic shortcomings or even outside factors beyond anyone’s control. For Jacob Copeland, he’s experienced a tidal wave of hardships and still managed to keep his head above the water.
Growing up in the north side of Pensacola, Florida, Jacob Copeland was the youngest of seven brothers and lived in poverty. His father, Darrick Bennet, spent most of his life in and out jail. Also, his brother, Christain Parson, is currently serving a prison sentence. Jacob Copeland, seeing all this tragedy unfold in front of him, knew that he wanted no part of a criminal lifestyle and desired to break his family’s downward spiraling pattern. He devoted his focus on finding a way to improve the Copeland’s way of living. The answer was football.
Never thought I’ll live to see this moment. Everything I’ve been through in life came back to me at this moment. I’m truly blessed because God makes no mistakes. I just can’t thank him enough for what he has done for me over the 18 years of my life. 🙏🏾❤️ #GoGators #TearsOfJoy pic.twitter.com/voY9SFpzG8
— Jacob Copeland (@JCope1era) February 8, 2018
Jacob Copeland became the first member of his family to graduate from high school at Escambia High School, and the first to attend college at the University of Florida. Very few have the pleasure and privilege to walk out of the Florida Gators tunnel, a sentiment echoed and respected by Copeland. But, just like any other industry, Jacob Copeland had to endure the trials that befell him. He spent three grueling seasons being utilized sparingly among a deep wide receiver rotation system. There were times where he doubted whether he would succeed but those moments of doubt taught him how to persevere and have faith.
His prayers and learning of the process were rewarded this season as the Florida Gators’ head coach Dan Mullen designated him the illustrious No. 1 jersey. The number is of great significance as many of Florida Gators’ great wide receivers donned the iconic No. 1 uniform such as Super Bowl XLVIII MVP Percy Harvin. Jacob Copeland is aware enough to understand the responsibility that goes with being assigned such an emblematic number and, so far, he’s lived up to expectations.
In his six games, the 6-foot, 202-pound wide receiver has 21 receptions for 370 yards and three touchdowns. Those are impressive stats, but what’s even more interesting is that he’s been performing better on the road. This signifies that he can handle the pressures of dealing with a home team boost and a ferocious home crowd. It shows that he’s mentally tough enough to withstand the weight of expectation and any adversities that might arise.
Jacob Copeland has already succeeded at achieving greatness by staying clear of all crime related activities and focusing on delivering a way out for his family. A path that’s no longer in sinking quicksand but one that manages to deal and overcome any obstacle. His playing motivation isn’t just for those that are still living with him but it’s also to honor the deaths of his father and nephew, Jaylen Millender. Jacob Copeland is carrying the weight of an entire family legacy on his shoulders and, yet still manages to shine on the field. He’s more than just an athlete. He’s a remarkable young man.
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