Rural grad switches to safety

Topeka Capital-Journal, The, Sep 8, 2006 by Tony Jimenez

By Tony Jimenez

SPECIAL TO THE CAPITAL-JOURNAL

It wasn't long into his job as the head coach at Fort Scott Community College that Rion Rhoades sized up Rashawn Copeland and came to the conclusion that the sophomore wide receiver needed to switch positions.

"We were five or six practices into spring ball and it looked like he wasn't natural at his position," Rhoades said.

"He ran good routes, but he he was in a slump catching the football."

So when this season opened, Copeland, a 6-foot-1, 180-pound Washburn Rural graduate, was honing his skills as a free safety.

Now he is trying to break up a crisp route rather than run it.

Now he is going to hit rather than be hit.

Now he is developing a new spirit for the game.

"At first I was shaky about it," Copeland said.

"But then I found out I was having more fun. I started feeling at home. I get to make a lot of plays and be more physical where I'm at now. Now that's where my heart's at."

In Rhoades' mind, Copeland, who played wide receiver and cornerback in high school, has all the makings of a good defensive back. He has good speed and size.

And while his sure hands and good footwork are assets at both positions, his instincts, his ability to read plays and his flexibility has made him more valuable on defense.

"He has real good closing speed and has made the adjustment well," Rhoades said. "He is willing to hit people and has established himself. He will continue to get better."

Most importantly, Rhoades says, being a defender's more natural for Copeland.

"This is where he belongs," he said.