William and Mary graduate and former safety Jerome Couplin agreed to a free agent contract with the Detroit Lions of the National Football League May 10.
Couplin was a team captain and averaged 5.8 solo tackles per game in the 2013 season. On a national scale, the Tribe defensive back garnered attention from outlets such as the Associated Press, the Sports Network and Forbes. Couplin earned first-team All-American honors and was a finalist for the Buchanan Award, an accolade honoring the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s best defensive players each year.
Couplin’s career stats justify his NFL deal: 257 total tackles, 158 solo, five forced fumbles and interceptions and 21 passes defended.
Couplin’s nickname, ‘The Osprey’, coincides with his 81-inch wingspan and 41.5 inch vertical leap. He will compete for a spot on the Lions’ roster during training camp in August.
