USC Football News: Jalen Cope-Fitzpatrick Returns to Workouts

It’s been quite a week for USC tight ends in the headlines, with the transfer of Daniel Imatorbhebhe, Bryce Dixon’s desire to return and now Jalen Cope-Fitzpatrick re-entering the picture.

The redshirt-junior tight end participated in his first player-run summer workout on Thursday afternoon after missing time to what has been expected to be an academic issue. His attendance was first reported by Keely Eure of USCFootball.com.

TE Jalen Cope-Fitzpatrick is participating in today's player-run practice. First time we've seen him since spring. #USC
— Keely Eure (@keelyismyname) June 26, 2015

In a report just two weeks ago, Steve Sarkisian told Michael Lev of the OC Register that Cope-Fiztpatrick had still yet to be cleared academically. He missed all of last season due to academic ineligibility.

Does his return means that he’s clear? In short, no. Per NCAA rules, ineligible players are allowed to participate in team acitivites, as evidenced with JCF’s limited participation over the last calendar year, including all of spring practice.

Jalen Cope-Fitzpatrick Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

But his presence is at least a positive sign for USC, who are set to enter the season without a single returning tight end.

Bryce Dixon is no longer enrolled, Randall Telfer was drafted by the Cleveland Browns and transfers Tyler McNamara and Connor Spears have yet to play a down at the Coliseum.

Then there’s incoming freshmen Tyler Petite and transfer Daniel Imatorbhebhe, who haven’t played college ball period.

Cope-Fitzpatrick has just three catches over the course of two seasons at USC, but was a highly regarded four-star recruit coming out of high school in the 2012 recruiting class.

Stay tuned to the JCF storyline, though we might not know his status for sure until Pac-12 Media in late July, or the following week at the start of fall camp.

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