EAST LANSING -- Attrition has once again hit the Michigan State roster, and this time it involves the most experienced veteran in Michigan State's secondary.
Cornerback Vayante Copeland is no longer with the program, Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio confirmed on Tuesday.
Dantonio said he was unable to provide any more details.
"There's certain things you've got to be able to make as you process yourself through from a junior to a senior," Dantonio said. "We wish Vayante the best, but he's not going to be able to be here."
In Copeland, Michigan State loses a cornerback who had started seven games over the last two seasons.
As a redshirt freshman in 2015, Copeland started the first two games of the season before suffering a fractured vertebra against Oregon.
He played in seven games last year, including five starts.
Copeland participated in Michigan State' Spring game. Earlier this year, he received a third chance to enter a court-sponsored diversionary program after being charged with marijuana possession in 2015.
Copeland's departure creates another hole in a Michigan State secondary that was already in flux. The Spartans already lost safety Montae Nicholson to the NFL, along with senior starters Demetrious Cox and Darian Hicks to graduation.
The number of underclassmen to leave Michigan State with eligibility remaining this offseason now stands at 11.
Four of those players were dismissed after being charged with sexual assault: Donnie Corley, Josh King, Auston Robertson and Demetric Vance. .Malik McDowell and Montae Nicholson left for the NFL. Linebacker Jon Reschke departed after making what he called an insensitive comment about a former teammate.
Offensive lineman Thiyo Lukusa left after saying he didn't enjoy football anymore. Safety Kenney Lyke left after falling one credit shy of graduating. Defensive backs Drake Martinez and Kaleel Gaines also left Michigan State without reasons given.
Cornerback Vayante Copeland is no longer with the program, Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio confirmed on Tuesday.
Dantonio said he was unable to provide any more details.
"There's certain things you've got to be able to make as you process yourself through from a junior to a senior," Dantonio said. "We wish Vayante the best, but he's not going to be able to be here."
In Copeland, Michigan State loses a cornerback who had started seven games over the last two seasons.
As a redshirt freshman in 2015, Copeland started the first two games of the season before suffering a fractured vertebra against Oregon.
He played in seven games last year, including five starts.
Copeland participated in Michigan State' Spring game. Earlier this year, he received a third chance to enter a court-sponsored diversionary program after being charged with marijuana possession in 2015.
Copeland's departure creates another hole in a Michigan State secondary that was already in flux. The Spartans already lost safety Montae Nicholson to the NFL, along with senior starters Demetrious Cox and Darian Hicks to graduation.
The number of underclassmen to leave Michigan State with eligibility remaining this offseason now stands at 11.
Four of those players were dismissed after being charged with sexual assault: Donnie Corley, Josh King, Auston Robertson and Demetric Vance. .Malik McDowell and Montae Nicholson left for the NFL. Linebacker Jon Reschke departed after making what he called an insensitive comment about a former teammate.
Offensive lineman Thiyo Lukusa left after saying he didn't enjoy football anymore. Safety Kenney Lyke left after falling one credit shy of graduating. Defensive backs Drake Martinez and Kaleel Gaines also left Michigan State without reasons given.