RCS Miami prospects react to Jacob Copeland signing drama
RELATED: Full Rivals 3 Stripe Camp schedule
Every year there seems to be a story that pops up on National Signing Day that breaks through into the national news cycle. Whether it’s a prospect having a last second change of heart and electing not to fax in his National Letter of Intent (Roquan Smith, 2015), or a parent snatching the letter away and taking off to parts unknown to prevent their child from going far from home (Alex Collins, 2013).
This year’s moment that will be remembered for years also involved a parent. Rivals250 wide receiver Jacob Copeland and his mother made national news when she got up and walked off camera shortly after her son announced that he would sign with Florida over Alabama and Tennessee. Later the pair was shown reconciling, as Copeland shed tears while embracing his mother.
Whether the event was a planned stunt, as some have insinuated, or a genuine disagreement between a mother and her son, the incident shined a light on just how tough and sometimes divisive a college decision can be among family members.
At last week's Miami stop of the Rivals 3 Stripe Camp Series presented by adidas, players were still buzzing about it.
“I didn’t watch much of the Signing Day stuff but that really went viral,” class of 2020 wide receiver Jacorey Brooks said. “When his mom walked off, I was like, ‘That’s bold. That’s a bold move right there.’”
Prospects expressed shock and disbelief over how things played out, but most also felt for Copeland in the moment.
“I don’t really know him like that but I felt some sympathy for him,” 2019 Rivals100 wide receiver and one-time Florida commit John Dunmore said. “Because that’s his mother you know, it’s the only one you’re got, so I can only imagine how he felt.”
College coaches often harp on the importance of recruiting a prospect’s mother and the prospects we spoke with said their parents will obviously play vital roles in the decision-making process.
“She’s very important,” 2019 four-star defensive back Jaden Davis said. “She’s very important in my life as are my dad and my brothers so they are all going to help me make this decision. She will know and she will give me her input so I can make the decision that’s best for me.”
Prior to the Signing Day drama, Copeland actually took to Twitter the night before to lament the pressure he was feeling about making a final decision. Dunmore said that he is taking a more measured approach so he will already be comfortable with his choice before it comes time to announce publicly.
“I don’t feel a lot of pressure,” Dunmore said. “I just know I need think things out and weigh out all my options with every single school and seeing what they have to offer me.”
So could an scene like Copeland’s actually dissuade a top prospect from announcing his choice on live TV? Not any of the prospects we spoke with.
“No, because my family is different,” Dunmore said. “I don’t see that happening to me. We’re more laid back, we’re like the regular signers, you pick a hat, everyone claps and that’s it. To get to do it on TV we be something I wouldn’t want to pass up.”
But one thing is for sure, there will be no surprises.
“We are definitely going to be on the same page,” Dunmore said. “My mom, the school I like, she’ll love it, so whatever I pick she’s down 100 percent. And she will know ahead of time.”
