The Florida Gators are still searching for the program's next head coach and, with Chip Kelly officially off the market at UCLA, that story line will be quite interesting to follow in the coming days. Still, there are other factors in play in Gainesville, including the loss of previously committed prospects that were tied to the program during the Jim McElwain era.
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On Saturday evening, that list became longer with four-star wide receiver Jacob Copeland taking a step back with an official announcement.
This is the third decommitment from the 2018 class since McElwain was let go and, while that is not exactly surprising, it isn't the best sign for the Gators moving forward. Copeland rates as a consensus top-50 prospect nationally and the 6'0, 192-pound pass-catcher from Pensacola (Fla.) reopening his college search is a significant blow to the future on the outside.
This news comes just hours after defensive end Taylor Upshaw flipped to Michigan and whoever the new head coach is in Gainesville will have some work to do. There is nothing that says Copeland couldn't return to the fold in the near future but he was previously the top-rated recruit in the 2018 class and there is no working around that without impact.
