Michigan State's Vayante Copeland removed from roster

Michigan State cornerback Vayante Copeland, tabbed as a likely starter in the Spartans' secondary, is no longer with the program.

Head coach Mark Dantonio was vague Tuesday when asked why the third-year defender was removed from the roster.

"There's certain things you got to be able to make as you process yourself through junior to senior (year) and things of that nature," he told reporters, according to James Hawkins of The Detroit News. "Vayante has done a great job here. He was not thrown off the football team, so I wish him the best."

The Spartans have been ravaged by turnover this offseason, largely due to the off-field issues of several players. Copeland has had his share of problems, and entered a diversionary program in April stemming from a marijuana charge in 2015.

Copeland recorded 36 tackles and one interception in seven games last year. He missed part of the season due to injury.