Damian Copeland's Mother Says He's Turning Pro

Damian Copeland was recently granted a sixth year of eligibility by the NCAA, but his mother says that the standout Cardinal wide receiver does not plan on using it.

"We sat down as a family and just talked about it, and he said he's ready," Angela Copeland told The Courier-Journal on Thursday. "He said he feels like his time is here, and he's ready to chase his dream."

Copeland, who led Louisville in receptions this season with 58, will turn 24-years-old next fall and has already earned a degree from U of L in sports administration. He finished his final season with the Cards second on the team in both receiving yards (780) and touchdown receptions (5).

Angela Copeland said the family notified Charlie Strong of their decision on Thursday morning.

In his last two seasons at U of L, Copeland proved to be not just one of Teddy Bridgewater's most-reliable targets, but one of the most reliable Cardinal wide receivers in recent memory. He was Louisville's leader in receptions in both seasons, caught at least one pass in all 26 games he played, and totaled 121 receiving yards in the Cards' two bowl victories.

That guy is going to be missed.