University of Tennessee at Chattanooga football coach Tom Arth confirmed Monday that 2017 starting quarterback Cole Copeland will be suspended for this season.
Copeland has not been a part of team activities during the summer months and is expected to join the team for the start of preseason camp on Aug. 1.
The 6-foot-4, 200-pound sophomore and Southern Conference all-freshman team honoree threw for 1,177 yards and seven touchdowns in his first season. He started the final six games after injuries sidelined senior Alejandro Bennifield and sophomore Nick Tiano, becoming the first true freshman starter for the Mocs in 22 seasons.
Copeland threw for 317 yards and two touchdowns in his first game on Oct. 7 against Furman, setting freshman records for completions, attempts and yards.
Multiple sources have told the Times Free Press that Copeland is academically ineligible for the season, but Arth did not confirm it.