Michigan State CB Vayante Copeland out for season (Update)
Update: Sept. 21 - 8:45 a.m.
Michigan State head coach Mark Dantonio confirmed Sunday night that cornerback Vayante Copeland is out for the season due to a fractured vertebrae suffered against Oregon on Sept. 12.
"It's very unfortunate," Dantonio said per Mlive.com. "He's a good player, he's a great person. But he's handling it very, very well."
Dantonio said the program will approach his injury with caution, but are hoping Copeland could return in time for spring practice.
“You cannot mess with that kind of thing,” Dantonio said.
After Saturday’s win over Air Force, the 3-0 Spartans moved up to No. 2 in the AP poll.
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It appears Michigan State will be without a starter on defense for the rest of the season.
According to the Detroit Free Press, Spartans cornerback Vayante Copeland told his teammates in a group text that the neck injury he suffered last weekend against Oregon will end his season.
"It broke my heart when he texted us and said he was out for the season," safety Demetrious Cox said Saturday after MSU's 35-21 win over Air Force. "It was shocking, especially a younger guy who has come so far. He's making plays, obviously, and it was tough. But it's the next-man-up mentality. No matter what happens, somebody's got to be able to step up and make plays."
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Copeland, a redshirt freshman, was injured in the fourth quarter in the Spartans 31-28 win over the Ducks last Saturday. The program has yet to officially comment on his status, but if he is indeed out for the season, he’s the second member of MSU’s vaunted defense to go down with a season-ending injury, joining linebacker Ed Davis. Davis, a senior, injured his knee in August during the Spartans’ first preseason practice in full pads.
Copeland had seven tackles and an interception in two games this season.
With Copeland out Saturday against Air Force, senior Arjen Colquhoun started and had two tackles. Jermaine Edmondson and Darian Hicks, both juniors, also saw time at corner.
The fourth-ranked Spartans, now 3-0, host Central Michigan next Saturday before Big Ten Conference play begins on Oct. 3 against Purdue.
For more Michigan State news, visit SpartanMag.com.
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Sam Cooper is a contributor for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!
