After a 2017 season that saw the emergence of Hylton’s tall, lanky quarterback, Keyshawn Copeland is ready to step his game up for the Bulldogs, with his arm, and mindset.
“Our biggest challenge is that Ricky’s leaving,” says Copeland, referring to All-American running back Ricky Slade, who will transcend his game with Penn State starting this fall. “People think we’re going to be a mess, but I want to step it up with the leadership, and show that we are all straight business.”
At Sunday’s “Clash of the Titans,” it was Copeland’s toughness that was on display, and his performance was good enough to earn the Bulldog quarterback MVP honors for the camp.
“I felt like I did pretty good,” said the 6-3 junior, “with the food poisoning and all.” Although the malady was a self-diagnosis, it was the flu like symptoms that had Copeland weak and in need of constant hydration on Sunday. In spite of his altered state, Copeland was mentally alert and knew of one adjustment that he needed to make during a passing drill.
“My release is fast, but I need to keep my elbow up,” said Copeland, who started a quarterback/receiver drill with a few bullets which were closer to the target’s shoelaces than bread basket. After making the adjustment, his first pass darted toward his intended reciever and popped the target square in the chest, making a sound that impressed his QB coach for the day – none other than Phillip Sims, current John Marshall High coach and former USA Today high school All-American and University of Alabama and Virginia quarterback.
“You need to throw EVERY pass like that from now on,” yelled Sims, clearly impressed with the speed and accuracy of Copeland’s bullet. Having the encouragement of the former all-time Virginia touchdown and yardage leader made an impression on Copeland.
“It made me think I was doing something right. He was paying attention, and that makes me want to work harder. You realize that someone is always watching you.”
Colleges have already taken notice. Minutes before Tuesday’s phone call, the University of Buffalo texted Copeland with an invitation to their Spring game. He can’t attend, but has been in contact with their QB coach. He has visited Towson State and Richmond (twice) as the Spider quarterback mentor, Coach Aaron Corp, worked with Copeland’s brother, who will be a graduate redshirt senior in 2018.
“I am busy every weekend,” admits Copeland, who has also drawn interest from Temple and the University of Virginia.
Copeland has plenty to look forward to in 2018, but knows that his current squad is a young one. “We lost a lot of seniors, but we have people coming up. These guys aren’t big, but they’re quick. If we can get the time in the weight room, we’ll be alright.”
As a junior, Copeland threw for just over 1600 yards with 23 touchdowns – not bad for the leader of an offense known mostly for its 2,000 yard rusher (Slade). He mentioned Taevon Johnson and Joshua Hunt as two outside receivers who should become his main passing targets in 2018. As far as replacing Slade goes, several backs will surely be in contention. But Juanya Braxton, who won the region running back MVP at the Clash, looks to be a frontrunner.
Perhaps speaking to his health recovery from Sunday, or looking ahead to 2018, Copeland summed up his situation on Tuesday evening. “I’m good now.”
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