Russell Copeland, a former UofM football star and NFL veteran, will serve as analyst on all Tigers football road games in the 2020 season.
Former Tiger Jarvis Greer, who is in his eighth season with Memphis, will continue to be the analyst for all home games because of COVID-19 concerns and required quarantines after travel.
“We are in complete support of Jarvis and the tough decision he needed to make,” said Steve Macy, UofM senior associate athletic director. “We are also elated that former Tiger great Russell Copeland has agreed to join the broadcast team.
“Russell will provide excellent in-depth analysis both from a collegiate and NFL point of view. Our broadcast will continue to be first class both at home and on the road.”
The Tigers, however, have paused their football season because of a COVID-19 outbreak.
In total since June 5, the athletic department has conducted over 3500 COVID-19 tests and has had 81 positive results, with 46 being considered active, according to a statement released by athletics communications Wednesday evening.
Noting that all others had fully recovered, the statement detailed that, “Due to privacy concerns, names will not be released, and impacted sports will not be identified. However, a recent report that attributed 42 current cases to the football program is significantly overstated.”
The Tigers scheduled game against Houston on Friday (Sept. 18) is being rescheduled because of COVID-19 concerns. The American Athletic Conference will determine the date.
Copeland played wide receiver for the Tigers before spending six seasons in the NFL with Buffalo, Philadelphia and Green Bay, and a season in the Canadian Football League with Toronto.
Although it has been more than 25 years since he last caught a pass in a Tigers uniform after lettering in 1989, 1990 and 1992, Copeland remains prominently placed in the U of M record book in multiple categories.
He was inducted into the M Club Hall of Fame in 2006.
“My years at Memphis as a player were the best times of my life,” said Copeland.
“I am excited and thrilled to work with my alma mater, alongside Dave Woloshin.”
