Copeland was raised in Pensacola, Florida, by his mother, Betty Copeland.[2] His father, Darrick Bennett, was absent from his life as he spent periods in prison and died when Copeland was aged 13.[2] Copeland's childhood home was in a crime-ridden neighborhood where he would witness robberies and shootings.[2] In one incident when Copeland was aged eight, his half-brother was shot three times in the front yard but survived.[2]
Copeland began playing youth football aged six.[2] When he was 12, he moved into the home of his coach, Trampas Miller, after the Miller family expressed concern about Copeland's living conditions.[2] Copeland credits the Miller family for saving his life.[2]
Copeland attended Escambia High School in Pensacola, Florida and came out as a four-star recruit.[3] He committed to the University of Florida on February 7, 2018,[4] during a nationally televised press conference that went viral because his mother walked out after Copeland made his selection.[2][5] Betty Copeland, who was raised in Alabama, claims that she walked out because she wanted him to choose her hometown team at the University of Alabama and he changed his mind without telling her.[2] It has been wrongly speculated that her disapproval was because of gang relations that Copeland maintained in Florida which has been vehemently denied by Copeland and his family.[2]
During his freshman year at Florida, Copeland was redshirted, only appearing in three games. He had a kick return for 26 yards and a pass reception for 16 yards. During the 2019 season, he had 21 catches for 273 yards (21.0 ypg) with two touchdowns on offense and special teams, playing in all 13 games. Additionally, he averaged 28 yards rushing (his long 15), along with his first tackle. As a sophomore in 2020, he played in 11 of 12 games, with 23 receptions for 435 yards (18.9 avg) and three touchdowns.[9] In the 2021 season, Copeland appeared in all games (11 starts), with 38 receptions for 607 yards and four touchdowns.[10] After the Bowl Game against UCF, he entered the transfer portal.[11]
Maryland
On December 24, 2021, Copeland announced he was transferring to the University of Maryland, College Park.[12] During his junior year, he had 422 yards and three touchdowns. Against Indiana, Copeland led the Terps with 62 receiving yards on four receptions.[13] On December 2, 2022, Copeland announced that he would be skipping the Bowl and his senior year to enter the 2023 NFL draft.[14]
Professional career
East-West Shrine Bowl
Copeland originally planned to go to the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl with former teammate Durell Nchami.[15] He instead got moved to the 2023 East-West Shrine Bowl. There he shined on the third day of practice.[16] He further showed his catch ability the following day in practice.[17] During the game Copeland caught one pass for seven yards (his only target).[18]
On April 29, 2023, Copeland signed with the Tennessee Titans as a undrafted free agent.[23] He was waived on August 2.[24]
Minnesota Vikings
On August 7, 2023, Copeland signed with the Minnesota Vikings.[25] He was waived on August 29, 2023.[26]
Pittsburgh Steelers
On September 12, 2023, Copeland signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers practice squad.[27] He was released from the practice squad on October 3.[28] Copeland was re-signed to the practice squad on November 28, but released a week later.[29][30]
Kansas City Chiefs
On January 10, 2024, Copeland signed a reserve/future contract with the Kansas City Chiefs.[31] He was waived on May 4, 2024.[32]
Pittsburgh Steelers (second stint)
On June 21, 2024, Copeland signed a one-year contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers.[33] He was waived on August 26.[34]
