Former Gators WR Jacob Copeland Signs with Minnesota Vikings

Photo: Jacob Copeland; Credit: Alex Shepherd

Former Florida Gators wide receiver Jacob Copeland has found a new home in Minnesota, signing with the team on Monday after participating in a tryout on Sunday.

The #Vikings have signed WR Jacob Copeland (@JCope1era) and waived WR Cephus Johnson III.https://t.co/IpN2S6Mbqj pic.twitter.com/rwzQHdzp8i
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) August 7, 2023

He joins a star-studded wide receiver room of Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, KJ Osborn, N’Keal Harry, fellow former Gators wideout Brandon Powell and others.

Copeland was the first prized recruit to commit to Florida under Dan Mullen’s reign as head coach in 2018, spurning Alabama and Tennessee with an infamous announcement ceremony to remain in the Sunshine State at the next level.

The stint began slow as he dealt with an injury as a freshman. He saw action in just one game, where he accounted for one catch for 16 yards.

Over four years with the Gators, Copeland was inhibited by the crowded wide receiver room built by Billy Gonzales. He worked as a rotational wideout in his redshirt freshman and redshirt sophomore seasons, never eclipsing the 25 catch mark.

His time at UF culminated in career highs in receptions, yards and scores in 2021, hauling in 41 balls for 642 yards and four scores to boast team-leading numbers in each category.

However, as Florida underwent a coaching change in December 2021, Copeland elected to enter the transfer portal for his final collegiate campaign.

He chose to continue his career with Mike Locksley at Maryland in 2022, accounting for 26 receptions, 376 yards and two scores while leading the Terrapins in yards per reception in 12 appearances. Dropping his name into the pool of candidates for the 2023 NFL Draft, Copeland went unselected before being signed by Tennessee as an undrafted free agent.

The Titans released Copeland on Wednesday, opening the door for him to sign with the Vikings.

Copeland will now compete for a roster spot in the crowded Minnesota wide receiver room.

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