By Ross Johnson

Sports Writer

As far as anyone knew, Troup senior J.C. Copeland was going to sign with the Tennessee Volunteers on Wednesday.

He even came to school Wednesday morning wearing a Tennessee hat.

Copeland had other ideas, though.

The 6-foot-1, 245-pound defensive lineman decided Tuesday he would join teammate Brandon Worle at Louisiana State, and signed his letter of intent with the Tigers.

Copeland is rated a four-star prospect by Rivals.com.

Nobody, including Worle, knew of Copeland’s intentions until early Wednesday morning.

“I was surprised,” Worle said. “It was like a dream. He’s been talking about Tennessee all week. I guess he was just messing with me. He’s a prankster. I should have seen this coming.”

Copeland verbally committed to Tennessee before the 2009 season began, and even held firm with the Volunteers when former head coach Lane Kiffen left Knoxville for the same position at Southern California.

That changed when LSU coach Les Miles visited Troup High last month.

Miles, who was in town to secure Worle’s commitment, invited Copeland to Baton Rouge on an official visit last weekend. Copeland was originally scheduled for a visit to South Carolina, but agreed to take a look at the Tigers instead.

The visit sealed the deal for Copeland, who made his final decision Tuesday night.

“When I came home (from the visit), I tried everything in my power to make them look bad, but at the end of the day it came down to LSU,” Copeland said.

Copeland noted LSU is a “more stable environment.”

The decision didn’t come down to playing alongside Worle, however.

“It feels good to play with him,” Copeland said. “But it wasn’t a deciding factor. I would have gone by myself, but I’m glad he’s coming too. We’re pushing each other to work hard.”

Copeland, who also received offers from Oklahoma, Clemson, Maryland and Ole Miss, among others, said the signing was a relief but still has work to do in the classroom.

“I’m just happy to say that I’m signing today, but you can sign and still not be able to go,” Copeland said. “I’m just glad the pressure is off me a little bit so I can focus on my grades and get where I need to be by June 1.”