Signee Spotlight: Tuswani Copeland
Lawton (OK), MacArthur
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Athlete
Height 6'0"
Weight 175 pounds
Other Scholarship Offers:
Kansas State, Louisville, Michigan State, Western Michigan
Under the Helmet:
When did you know that you could play football at a high level?
I first started playing football in the sixth grade and I had a bunch of family come out one day when I scored six touchdowns in one game. At that point a lot of my friends and other people told me I probably had a future in the game. That's when I really started thinking that maybe I could go to college and play.
Who is your all-time favorite player?
On offense, it would probably be Walter Peyton and on defense it would be Sean Taylor. I do a lot of studying in football. I've seen a lot of Peyton's highlights and I've read his book.
Do you have any role models?
The person I follow in the NFL right now would probably be Ted Ginn. I tried to model my game after him in high school, because he was pretty much my favorite player when he was at Ohio State.
Personally, I would probably say my older brothers. They've taught me pretty much everything I know, and I look up to them in almost every situation.
How often do you work out and what is your routine?
I'm running track, so we're doing that right now. Baylor sent me a workout book, so I'm going to start doing that once track is over with. It's mostly conditioning stuff likes gassers and wind sprints and what not.
Do you have a pregame ritual or anything you are superstitious about?
Not really. Before a game, I'll go to sleep really early, wake up early, and then listen to my music before school and think about what I'll have to do all day.
A look ahead:
What position will you play at Baylor?
Right now, it's more likely that I'll be playing corner, but I know there's talk on the message board that I'll be playing receiver. It doesn't matter to me, though, I'll play anywhere.
Do you plan to redshirt?
I don't know. If I can play and help out as a freshman, I want to do that. I won't be mad if I end up redshirting, though. It will give me the chance to learn and add on some weight. I still would like to play if possible.
What is your biggest strength as a player?
My in-game IQ. I have a great feel for the game and what's going on everywhere. I've always been able to read the quarterback really well. Then there's my speed, of course. My intelligence, though, that's probably number once.
What is the biggest thing you need to work on?
At corner, I would probably say my man coverage. Receiver wise, it would be running routes. I can run good routes, but I just need some work on the little stuff about them.
Which number do you want to wear at Baylor?
I was seeing what numbers are open the other day. I was thinking 6 or 4 or any other single digit that is open. If I play corner, I would hope for 21 or 26, though.
What do you plan on majoring in while at Baylor?
General education is what I'm leaning towards now, but if I don't like that it will probably be criminal justice.
What do you see yourself doing fifteen years from now?
Hopefully I'll have been drafted for the league and will have started my career as a D1 college football coach by that time.
Personal profile:
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I like to play XBOX and watch games and highlights. I also love basketball and track.
What is your favorite food?
It used to be shrimp fried rice, but I've lost my feel for that somewhat. I guess I would have to say spaghetti right now.
What kind of music do you listen to?
I pretty much listen to everything…besides country. Mostly R&B, hip hop and rap.
Do you have a nickname?
Yeah, I have a couple. Some people call me "T-Cope," some call me "Bird Man" and some call me "Swan Flu."
A look back:
What one thing made you decide to go to Baylor?
I took a couple visits and I just got a good feeling about that school. It seemed like something special was happening and I wanted to be a part of that, so I just followed my heart.
When did you know you wanted to go to Baylor?
The coaches were really cool. Originally, I was set on a couple of east coast and some down south schools until Baylor came in and started recruiting me later. I started thinking about the possibility, took a visit, and it pretty much sealed the deal.
Did any other schools come in last minute to try and sway you?
Oh yeah. Arizona, Michigan State, Kansas State, and Tulsa definitely came in and had offered me, and then there were other schools that came in. Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, TCU, and LSU all wanted me to come in for a visit late, too, but I decided to stick with Baylor.
Which coaches did you become the closest with during the recruiting process?
Coach Young was the main one recruiting me, so him definitely. I also talked a lot with Coach Norwood and Coach McCloud, too, but mostly Coach Young.
Did the Baylor coaches do anything unique when recruiting you?
With a lot of schools, they'll tell you anything you want to hear. With Baylor, it didn't feel like that. I couldn't explain exactly how it was, but it was different. It made me want to stick with them.
What was your favorite moment during the recruiting process?
Going on the visit. Just seeing my family being so proud of me getting a scholarship for college was really good stuff.
Did you hit it off with any particular current players or incoming freshman?
Prince Kent and I were pretty cool; we hung out a few times. Romie Blaylock was my host and we're cool, too.