Michigan State’s Offseason Roster Released; Vayante Copeland Gone

Michigan State football released its offseason roster on Tuesday and missing from the 108 man roster was Vayante Copleand. Dantonio confirmed during media availability on the same day that he is no longer with the football program.

“There’s certain things you’ve gotta be able to make as you process yourself through from junior to senior and things of that nature, I wish Vayante the best, but he’s not gonna be able to be here. ... Vayante’s done a great job here. ... He was not thrown off this football team.” Dantonio said.

Copeland played in seven games last year before a foot injury ended his season. He made 36 tackles and had one pick and two pass breakups in 2016. Copeland was "red-locked" after an arrest for marijuana related charges. He is currently in court-sponsored programs.

Dantonio also expressed concern over two other possible starters that are listed on the roster.

Demetrius Cooper is currently serving a six month suspension from the program stemming from a 2016 assault and battery charge against an East Lansing Parking Officer. He also violated the terms of his plea deal in that case.

Then there is also the case of Tyson Smith. Smith revealed this offseason he suffered a stroke last season causing him to miss four games. Smith was 19 years old when that happened to him.

Copeland makes the 10th different non-senior Spartan to leave the program ahead of the 2017 season via traditional attrition (like Malik McDowell leaving early for the NFL draft) or otherwise.