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#58 Myles Copeland |
Position: Linebacker Previous College: None Projection: Redshirt Status: Preferred Walk-On |
Myles Jeffery Copeland (b. Oct. 2, 1993) is a preferred walk-on linebacker from Wichita Collegiate High School, and he's a bit of a steal.
His Rivals.com profile says he had interest from schools such as Air Force, Kansas and Minnesota, although never any actual offers. They were more of the Division II variety, but he's still a valuable acquisition as a walk-on.
ESPN rated Copeland a three-star player, and as the No. 37 inside linebacker in the nation and the No. 5 recruit in the state of Kansas. For some reason, neither Rivals nor Scout ranked him. Interesting divergence, there.
He had 122 tackles at middle linebacker for the Spartans as a senior, and was named Kansas 3A All-State and All-League at linebacker and offensive line, as well as Gatorade top five in the state of Kansas.
As a junior, Copeland registered 90 tackles, including 17 tackles for loss. He had one interception that was returned 90 yards for a touchdown. He also forced five fumbles and recovered three fumbles.
His teams went 40-6 in his four years at Collegiate, including a state championship in 2009. Copeland recorded 407 tackles during the course of his prep career.
And the best part? His parents are dyed-in-the-wool Jayhawks who had to throw out all their stuff and go purple.
You watch Copeland's highlights on his personal website. Here's Copeland in his own words:
It came down to the passion I have for Kansas State. I wanted to be a part of a winning team, and I knew they'd be winning while I was there. They have a great tradition. I love the atmosphere so much.
Playing for Coach Snyder, I'll not only know more about the game of football, I'll also know more about the game of life. I didn't want to have any regrets. I had to prove myself all through high school, and I'm ready to prove myself again and earn a scholarship.
I'm probably going to start out at middle linebacker. I was close to Coach Cosh and that's where we talked about me playing. I haven't spoken to the new linebackers coach, but I have exchanged emails with a graduate assistant and he said I'd probably be at linebacker.
That's a good place to be because they have five seniors at linebacker. By my second year, I'm hoping to get in on special teams and then move into a starting role in my third year.