Jacob Copeland’s commitment will go down as the most awkward of National Signing Day 2018 thanks to his mom.
The four-star wide receiver who was ranked as the No. 12 prospect at his position according to 247 Sports, announced live on ESPN that he would be committing to the Florida Gators over the Tennessee Volunteers and Alabama Crimson Tide.
It was not an easy decision for Copeland, as he explained earlier this week.
“Throughout this entire recruiting process, I never been as stressed as I am now,” Copeland wrote on Twitter.
“I cried and cried all last night about God leading me in the right directions. Now I don’t have over much as a day to decide on a school that’ll change my future after football.”
After making his announcement, there was an audible gasp as the woman behind him broke out in tears.
Then, Copeland’s mother, who was sitting to his right, shook her head in disbelief, grabbed her belongings and stormed away from the table.
It was unfortunate that Copeland’s mother put herself first and ruined her son’s special day because of her selfishness, but Copeland deserves plenty of credit because he addressed the issue and kept his composure as he discussed what his future holds.
Video of Copeland’s mom storming away can be seen below:
Jacob Copeland’s mother — in an Alabama sweater and Tennessee hat — just got up and left after he announced he was going to Florida pic.twitter.com/tOZHnZeamv
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) February 7, 2018
His mother eventually returned and embraced Copeland, before signing the National Letter of Intent.
Jacob Copeland's mother came back out and gave him a hug after initially walking off. Both were in tears. #NSD18 pic.twitter.com/D1h6DHrHGl
— Campus Sports (@CampusSportsNet) February 7, 2018
Copeland, a 6-foot, 192-pounder from Escambia High School in Pensacola, Florida will now be staying close to home. Hopefully the family dynamics will not distract him from what looks like a promising college football career.
Stay tuned to Campus Sports throughout the day for the latest National Signing Day announcements.
