Just one practice in, and USC’s offense has suffered what could become a rather significant blow -- and it had nothing to do with an injury.
Rather, head coach Steve Sarkisian announced Monday night that Jalen Cope-Fitzpatrick has been declared academically ineligible. As a result, Cope-Fitzpatrick will not play at all this upcoming season.
The move leaves the Trojans with just two scholarship players at the position: senior Randall Telfer and four-star 2014 signee Bryce Dixon. Telfer dealt with knee issues throughout last season, issues that bled into the offseason and on into summer camp.
Because of the question marks surrounding Telfer’s knees, Cope-Fitzpatrick, who had just one catch last season, was being looked upon as a potential starter.