Darius Copeland

[zipsoutsider]

Really nice story about Darius. Wish we heard more if these stories from our local press.

 

Fort Myers grad Darius Copeland overcomes odds at Akron

[Blue & Gold]

Great article!  Makes me want to pull for Darius even more than I already do.

 

The paper also had an article on Van Edwards!!!  THE BEACON JOURNAL SUCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

I'll start a Van Edwards thread and post it there.

[Dr Z]

Awesome article. 

 

“I just know that his most important measurable is his heart and work ethic,” said Bowden, “The odds were against him to be a D-I player, so the odds are definitely against him to be an NFL player. But don’t count him out. I know with anybody who plays this hard, the sky’s the limit.” Akron defensive line coach Todd Stroud, who played at Florida State under Bobby Bowden, talked often with Sirianni about Copeland. Those talks intensified after signing day in 2013.“This young man was unsigned, and we evaluated him,” Stroud said. “He had great speed. He had a great motor. His body weight actually was unbelievable. He went from about 212 pounds up to 266 pounds from the time we signed him. We signed him as a defensive end type guy, but he added so much body mass and strength. “Darius has impeccable character. I think that when his mother passed, it was a heartbreaking deal. But they are very strong, family-oriented people.” After talking with Stroud and Sirianni, Bowden green lighted Copeland’s scholarship. Copeland is on track to graduate in 2018 with a degree in sport management. “So Todd, he looks for linemen who have great effort and are great weight room guys,” Bowden said. “Darius fits that mold. He’s one of the strongest guys on our team. He has been a monster in the weight room, and right now, he’s in a position to help our football team.”

 

I think it's worth the time to give the author (David Dorsey) a "like" or retweet.

 

 

 

 

[Blue & Gold]

18 minutes ago, Dr Z said:

I think it's worth the time to give the author (David Dorsey) a "like" or retweet.

 

Done.

[skip-zip]

I have to say this...

 

I'm never disappointed when we offer a scholarship to a guy who's not heavily recruited by other D-1A schools when they are someone of high character with a great work ethic.  I'm proud to have those types of players to add to the integrity of our program.  And if they happen to develop into a major contributor, that's simply a bonus.  

[zipsoutsider]

2 minutes ago, skip-zip said:

I have to say this...

 

I'm never disappointed when we offer a scholarship to a guy who's not heavily recruited by other D-1A schools when they are someone of high character with a great work ethic.  I'm proud to have those types of players to add to the integrity of our program.  And if they happen to develop into a major contributor, that's simply a bonus.  

I am really proud of some of the stories of kids in our program and this Darius is now at the top of the list, for me. I love that JB1 and Justin March are our representatives in the NFL right now; they are 2 excellent young men. I also love the stories of second chance kids who have had turn-around, like Bowden describing TC5 on Saturday. You also look at the story of a kid like Tommy Woodson who was written off at no fault of his own in high school, struggled when he came here to find his footing, but persevered and was ready when his chance came. These are the kids I think of when I hear football haters complain about spending money on spirts. What other opportunity would give these young men the chance for this type of character growth or to overcome the type of odds against them to the degree that D1 football has, apart from military service?

[Blue & Gold]

1 hour ago, zipsoutsider said:

I am really proud of some of the stories of kids in our program and this Darius is now at the top of the list, for me. I love that JB1 and Justin March are our representatives in the NFL right now; they are 2 excellent young men. I also love the stories of second chance kids who have had turn-around, like Bowden describing TC5 on Saturday. You also look at the story of a kid like Tommy Woodson who was written off at no fault of his own in high school, struggled when he came here to find his footing, but persevered and was ready when his chance came. These are the kids I think of when I hear football haters complain about spending money on spirts. What other opportunity would give these young men the chance for this type of character growth or to overcome the type of odds against them to the degree that D1 football has, apart from military service?

Those sound like some very interesting potential articles.  ABJ?...  Anyone?...  Bueller?

Edited October 6, 2016 by Blue & Gold

[skip-zip]

1 hour ago, zipsoutsider said:

I am really proud of some of the stories of kids in our program and this Darius is now at the top of the list, for me. I love that JB1 and Justin March are our representatives in the NFL right now; they are 2 excellent young men.

 

It's a source of pride for me as well.  I love that our program rewards that, and nurtures it.  This is in such stark contrast to some of the kids that are sent into the next phase of their lives from other programs without the benefits of being at a school that has a culture where they learn accountability and discipline.  

 

Nobody looks at JB or March and says, "There's that idiot from Akron".    And I don't feel sorry for the schools who have to live with that legacy, because they fail to realize that the culture in which they operate created it.  

 

14 hours ago, zipsoutsider said:

Really nice story about Darius. Wish we heard more if these stories from our local press.

 

Are you kidding?  It's sad that someone like the ABJ spends infinitely more time talking about morons like that "We Ain't Come To Play School" guy, and will completely ignore an inspirational story like this.   I'm sure you can insert the "We do what we think will sell papers" excuse here.