" Jets FB J.C. Copeland chases NFL dream, skips final college exam " ~ ~ ~

[kelly]

– Two weeks ago, New York Jets fullback J.C. Copeland was seated behind the desk of a doctor's office in Baton Rouge, Louisiana where he was filing paperwork and worrying about final exams. Now after a successful rookie minicamp, Copeland has gone from a clerical job with no future in the NFL to someone who is now hoping to make the Jets roster.

 

Last year, Copeland surprisingly went undrafted, this after three years as a starter at LSU and an MVP performance at the NFLPA Bowl following his senior season. Signed to an undrafted deal with the Dallas Cowboys, Copeland was cut towards the end of preseason and spent the past year back in college, finishing up his degree in sports administration. It looked, on the surface, like he was going to be out of football. Although he continued his workouts, he was back in classes at LSU as he worked on the final couple of classes for his degree.

 

He lived on campus, took classes and had a job. It was just like the days when he was a standout fullback for LSU, minus football.Just a couple weeks back, Copeland was in the midst of getting ready for a final exam in economics and working his part-time job. He did administrative work for a local cardiologist. NFL dreams seemed distant. That's when his cell phone lit up with a number he hadn't seen for a little while.It was his agent on the other end of the line, telling him that the Jets had interest in bringing him in to their rookie minicamp.He would be a tryout player, but it didn't matter; a day later he was on a plane bound for New Jersey. He impressed and the Jets signed him to a deal.

 

There's still the matter, however, of that pesky economics exam. He had called his professor to see if he could get the exam moved – it was the same day as the start of Jets rookie minicamp – and there was literally no way he could be in two places at once.“What do you do right there ? Do you get your education or do you chase your dream ?” Copeland told Metro. “I chose to chase my dream. The good news is that I'm still here chasing it.”As soon as he learned about the opportunity with the Jets, one of the first things he did was email his professor to tell him he wouldn't be able to take the final exam, which was scheduled to be administered in just two days. Copeland didn't find out till after rookie minicamp started that his professor was out of town and unable to get back to him but that he was willing to postpone the exam. He will take it at a later date, he just doesn't know when.

 

Currently, he has an incomplete in the class. In the email the professor said he understood the situation and wished him the best of luck.When he arrived at LSU, Copeland was originally a defensive end. He was a four-star recruit according to Rivals.com, with offers from Auburn, South Carolina as well as numerous other big-time programs. As a senior in high school, he was 6-foot-2-inches and 240 pounds. That's a big boy.But during his freshman year, he switched to fullback and played in four games at his new position. Each year he saw more playing time, including four starts his sophomore year. By his junior season he was entrenched at LSU as their starting fullback where his big frame and surprisingly nimble feet made him a powerful blocker.

 

Yet despite the feeling that he would be a late-round selection, Copeland went undrafted. He signed with the Cowboys, perhaps not the best situation given how they use their fullback. Fullbacks are a dying breed in the pro game, but with the Jets he falls into a position where he can possibly make an impact.“I really made a bad decision, I didn't do my homework,” Copeland said. “[The Cowboys] don't really use the fullback much. I thought they really wanted me. Here, I like what they want from the position. I feel like I can do what they want me to do. I'm enjoying the offense so far.”

 

The Jets do have Tommy Bohannon healthy and on the roster after missing much of last year with a broken collarbone He's a good fullback and fits their offense well. But Copeland is a sheer physical specimen and is intriguing.All of which means that if things go well with the Jets, Copeland won't be taking that final exam in economics anytime soon.“I haven't studied much for it in a long time,” Copeland said with a laugh. “Busy learning things here. I kind of hope I won't be worrying about that for a long time.”

 

> http://www.metro.us/kristian-dyer/jets-fb-j-c-copeland-chases-nfl-dream-skips-final-college-exam/zsJoeu---ZzSSK5Rd1q8I/

[RutgersJetFan]

That professor. What a dick.

[SenorGato]

Cool of his professor. There are some douches who'd gladly **** a kid over on a decision like this, but this is one of those moments where that decision makes sense. The opportunity at an NFL career is fleeting, especially at this kid's position.

[faba]

He is giving him the exam at a later date so what am I missing - he still can take it.

[Gas2No99]

He is giving him the exam at a later date so what am I missing - he still can take it.

It is rather unfair to the rest of the "non student-athletes" who didn't get more time to take the same exam. What's worse, ANYONE who voluntaryily skips their final exams shouldn't get a pass; why is he exceptional? a clear bias & favoritism not afforded to other students. On principle it is wrong because he MADE A DECISION to skip his exams - job interview or other reason- that if any other student had made the same choice, that "normal" student wouldn't be extended the courtesy Copeland was.

If you were a student busting your hump to keep your scholarship & earn a degree but have to learn the same amount of material and be tested on it by a certain deadline yet another guy in the same class doesn't AFTER THE FACT, yeah, that would be irritating. Such is life.

[jgb]

It is rather unfair to the rest of the "non student-athletes" who didn't get more time to take the same exam. What's worse, ANYONE who voluntaryily skips their final exams shouldn't get a pass; why is he exceptional? a clear bias & favoritism not afforded to other students. On principle it is wrong because he MADE A DECISION to skip his exams - job interview or other reason- that if any other student had made the same choice, that "normal" student wouldn't be extended the courtesy Copeland was.

If you were a student busting your hump to keep your scholarship & earn a degree but have to learn the same amount of material and be tested on it by a certain deadline yet another guy in the same class doesn't AFTER THE FACT, yeah, that would be irritating. Such is life.

 

lighten up francis, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity if LSU is serious about wanting its students to succeed this is the right call. guarantee you if a physics student got asked to go on a lunar mission the day before an exam, they would do the same thing.

[faba]

We all know that athletes get special treatment- not saying it is right but what is the harm if he takes final exam at a later date-

[Jetdawgg]

His grade is currently an Inc. That is fair. Good luck.

[Gas2No99]

lighten up francis, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity if LSU is serious about wanting its students to succeed this is the right call. guarantee you if a physics student got asked to go on a lunar mission the day before an exam, they would do the same thing.

I understand that Dorothy, but it still isn't right & fair to the remainder of the class. And your point that it's a once in a lifetime opportunity is wrong. He signed with the Cowboys LAST YEAR and was cut after TC. He only went back to school to finsih his degree AFTER there were no takers in the league for the 2014 season.

Look, I could care less. Someone asked why anyone would have an issue with what occurred in his specific situation and I merely made an argument for that case. He's sadly not likely to make this team and will need that degree more than a few walk-through reps in Shorts & Shells.

[The Crusher]

It is rather unfair to the rest of the "non student-athletes" who didn't get more time to take the same exam. What's worse, ANYONE who voluntaryily skips their final exams shouldn't get a pass; why is he exceptional? a clear bias & favoritism not afforded to other students. On principle it is wrong because he MADE A DECISION to skip his exams - job interview or other reason- that if any other student had made the same choice, that "normal" student wouldn't be extended the courtesy Copeland was.

If you were a student busting your hump to keep your scholarship & earn a degree but have to learn the same amount of material and be tested on it by a certain deadline yet another guy in the same class doesn't AFTER THE FACT, yeah, that would be irritating. Such is life.

 

 

That professor. What a dick.

 

You two guys.

[RutgersJetFan]

It is rather unfair to the rest of the "non student-athletes" who didn't get more time to take the same exam. What's worse, ANYONE who voluntaryily skips their final exams shouldn't get a pass; why is he exceptional? a clear bias & favoritism not afforded to other students. On principle it is wrong because he MADE A DECISION to skip his exams - job interview or other reason- that if any other student had made the same choice, that "normal" student wouldn't be extended the courtesy Copeland was.

If you were a student busting your hump to keep your scholarship & earn a degree but have to learn the same amount of material and be tested on it by a certain deadline yet another guy in the same class doesn't AFTER THE FACT, yeah, that would be irritating. Such is life.

 

Look, I was kidding around, but any professor worth his salt is going to support any kid that is afforded an opportunity like this. It's a philosophy that rests at the heart of the profession. In my experience I can tell you that a good professor is most certainly going to give other students who don't play sports a fair shake depending on the situation. We are not bosses. We're teachers. We want to see our students achieve what they want in life. That's priority #1 at all times.

 

It's not like he gave the guy an A for the course. He got an incomplete with the opportunity to make it up when he can. It's a fair solution for both parties.

[Gas2No99]

[jgb]

I understand that Dorothy, but it still isn't right & fair to the remainder of the class. And your point that it's a once in a lifetime opportunity is wrong. He signed with the Cowboys LAST YEAR and was cut after TC. He only went back to school to finsih his degree AFTER there were no takers in the league for the 2014 season.

Look, I could care less. Someone asked why anyone would have an issue with what occurred in his specific situation and I merely made an argument for that case. He's sadly not likely to make this team and will need that degree more than a few walk-through reps in Shorts & Shells.

Don't get your lance stuck in that windmill. It is a ridiculous and unfounded thing to complain about. Again if a physics student got an invitation to be on a shuttle mission, same deal. You've conveniently ignored this point because you're like wrong n' stuff. "Fairness" the unsupported argument of one without an argument. And besides even if you're right what a wonderful lesson to teach those other talentless mouth breathers that life isn't fair. #education

[Gas2No99]

Don't get your lance stuck in that windmill. It is a ridiculous and unfounded thing to complain about. Again if a physics student got an invitation to be on a shuttle mission, same deal. You've conveniently ignored this point because you're like wrong n' stuff. "Fairness" the unsupported argument of one without an argument. And besides even if you're right what a wonderful lesson to teach those other talentless mouth breathers that life isn't fair. #education

LOL!!!!!!!!!

[jgb]

LOL!!!!!!!!!

 

As good as an admission that your position is untenable and ridiculous. I get that your ego won't let you admit as much, so your lack of substantive response will suffice.

[Jetlife33]

Cool story, good luck to the kid.

[SoFlaJets]

lighten up francis, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity if LSU is serious about wanting its students to succeed this is the right call. guarantee you if a physics student got asked to go on a lunar mission the day before an exam, they would do the same thing.

Faba is Francis John

[kelly]

His grade is currently an Inc. That is fair. Good luck.

 

agreed !.. very Best Wishes to him ! ! 

[Jet Nut]

It is rather unfair to the rest of the "non student-athletes" who didn't get more time to take the same exam. What's worse, ANYONE who voluntaryily skips their final exams shouldn't get a pass; why is he exceptional? a clear bias & favoritism not afforded to other students. On principle it is wrong because he MADE A DECISION to skip his exams - job interview or other reason- that if any other student had made the same choice, that "normal" student wouldn't be extended the courtesy Copeland was.

If you were a student busting your hump to keep your scholarship & earn a degree but have to learn the same amount of material and be tested on it by a certain deadline yet another guy in the same class doesn't AFTER THE FACT, yeah, that would be irritating. Such is life.

Not true, kids are given the chance to make up exams, happens.

Why does it make you angry?

[Gas2No99]

Not true, kids are given the chance to make up exams, happens.

Why does it make you angry?

Not angry at all, seems a lot of you guys are eager to jump on me for that post and failed to read my follow up. I made the hypothetical argument to answer the question someone posed as to Why someone would be opposed to him taking it later. I stepped up to the plate to answer. Read my quote below.

As good as an admission that your position is untenable and ridiculous. I get that your ego won't let you admit as much, so your lack of substantive response will suffice.

Nope. It's just laughable that you're so vehement over me answering a question posed. It's not my position that's untenable, it's having the patience of having to keep quibbling with Dorothies like you because EVERYTHING has to be a win-lose debate.

I posted my position a while ago, you chose to ignore it and declare an "Internet victory" by proposing a hypothetical parallel counter argument that WE ALL KNOW would never happen-emergency college physicist to space-HAHAHA. But I don't care that, using your words, mouth-breathers such as yourself, get all worked up over hypothetical conversations. Thanks for playing & just don't bother to reply to my posts in the future if that's the case with you and your ilk.

My position posted a while ago which some seem to have missed. Apparently some confused the bunching of panties as mine, when its actually theirs:

Look, I could care less. Someone asked why anyone would have an issue with what occurred in his specific situation and I merely made an argument for that case.