By Ross Johnson

Sports Writer

The always-stingy Troup High defense has the playmaker it needs in senior J.C. Copeland.

Copeland, a 6-foot-1, 260-pound defensive lineman for the Tigers, joins a group of talented seniors on the unit led by coordinator George Brewer.

While several positions were vacated by 2009 graduates ­- with many of them eventually signing with colleges - Copeland, who verbally committed to play for Tennessee this summer, must be the leader Troup is looking for to continue the school’s stout defensive tradition.

Although the Tigers won just four games in 2008, the Troup defense was especially salty, giving up 14 points or less in eight of 10 regular-season games, including two shutouts.

Copeland, who used his speed, power, ferocity and high football IQ to make plays, was arguably the top player on one of the state’s best defenses.

“It’s hard to set that tone again (from last year),” said Copeland, who added his commitment to the Volunteers is still solid. “I just have to go out there, hustle hard and play hard. It’ll be important to have some leadership, because the other guys kind of feed off me and the other seniors on the defense already.”

Copeland, along with defensive backs Jacorius Cotton, Cardarious Sanders and Jaquante Holloway, as well as Vondre Jackson, are the returning seniors.

Cotton and Sanders have already committed to Southern Mississippi and South Carolina, respectively.

The veteran talent should help the newcomers get adjusted by the time the Tigers face Callaway High in the season opener Aug. 28.

“It’s impeccable (having all the D-1 athletes). It’s real cool,” Copeland said. “We all play together, and we hang out with each other so we know each other. We’re like a family on defense, and that’s how Coach Brewer wants it.”

Having played defensive end last season, Brewer moved Copeland to the interior line, although some appearances at end will likely occur.

The change isn’t unlike what Volunteers coach Lane Kiffen and his staff envision for Copeland.

“I’ll play end at Tennessee,” Copeland said. “They told me they’d move me inside too. They’ll switch me out.”

While the Troup defense kept the team in games last year, Copeland expects more from the offense under the direction of head coach Bubba Jeter, who will take over playcalling duties in 2009.

The unit returns several skill players, including running backs Cotton and Brandon Worle.

“I think the offense is looking tremendous,” Copeland said. “Coach Jeter put in a new offense, and it’s looking real good so far.”

Copeland has lofty goals for this season.

While he’s seemingly ended his recruitment, the four-star prospect on Rivals.com wants to make sure he leaves a mark on any opposing offense, regardless of whether or not he impresses even more college scouts.

“I want to have about 20 sacks, five shoutouts, and maybe get some picks,” Copeland said. “I can’t wait to get out there and play.”