when pruitt took that job at tennessee, that made (them equal) to me, copeland said saturday at the check-in for the under armour all-american game.
alabama was my leader. Yea. Because of pruitt. Knowing that he recruited me since freshman year and we built up a good relationship. He was one of the main coaches who stayed on staff and always recruited me.
"pruitt has been recruiting me since the 9th grade, copeland said. when he came out there (four years ago) to watch me in spring ball he was like, youre a real playmaker. ever since then, me and pruitt, weve built along and built along. We dont just talk football. It be about life, period. Pruitt could be like a father figure to me. I talked to pruitt on christmas. Weve always just wrapping it up.
while florida and alabama remain real contenders for the 4-star receiver, copeland talked about the current comfort level he felt at tennessee on his visit to rocky top. His biggest takeaway: "i can make my own legacy." just know i can go out there and be a playmaker and be myself. I can make my own legacy, he said. i don't have to be behind nobody else. I can come in and be a real impact straight in and be a true freshman all-american.
asked why tennessee is not only suddenly in the picture but a major player, copeland relayed a message he'd received from pruitt. you come to tennessee, just know youre going to be the playmaker we put the ball into your hands quick and fast, he said. well let you go out and do what you do: Put points on the board.
