University of Memphis Athletics
M Club Hall of Fame
- Induction:
- 2006
Russell Copeland is one of just five Tigers in school history to haul in three touchdown receptions in a game (vs. Tennessee, 1992). Copeland ranked third in all-time receiving yards (1,753), fifth in all-time receiving touchdowns (12) and third in total catches (116) on his induction to the M Club Hall of Fame.Â
In his Tiger career, Copeland totaled five career games with 100 or more receiving yards. His 80-yard reception vs. East Carolina still ranked 10th longest all-time and he also held the school record for consecutive games with a reception (27). In his final season as a Tiger receiver, Copeland caught 61 passes, which ranked as the second-best receiving total in single season in Tiger history. That same year, he scored 18 points by catching three touchdown passes against Tennessee, a feat that was tied for the second-most points scored in a game.Â
Also a threat in the return game, Copeland returned a punt 86 yards against Cincinnati in 1992 and he was tied for third in punt returns in a game with six against Cincinnati. He ranked 8th all-time in punt returns with 38 for 354 yards for an average of 9.5 yards per return. His 37 returns in 1992 was tied for second in Memphis single season history. A first-team All-South Independent honoree in 1992, Copeland was also an IFA first-team honoree in 1992. He was named the Highland Hundred MVP that same season and went on to play in the 1992 Senior Bowl.
He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the fourth round of the 1993 draft and played four seasons in Buffalo and spent three games of the 1998 season with the Green Bay Packers, finishing that year with the Philadelphia Eagles. He caught 103 passes for 1,460 career yards in the NFL.
