GAINESVILLE — Florida receiver Jacob Copeland and Alabama coach Nick Saban shared a moment several years ago that became a lifetime memory for a teenager from Florida’s Panhandle.
A phone call to Copeland in Pensacola led to a visit to Saban’s Tuscaloosa office and a difficult decision ahead.
Copeland ultimately chose the Gators while the Crimson Tide moved on to the next top-100 recruit. Even so, Saban’s ability to turn on the charm left quite an impression.
“You can go visit him and you chilling with him, like kicking it with him, a good vibes-type deal,” Copeland recalled this week.