Former UW-Whitewater stand-out running back Levell Coppage was arrested for drug charges.

The charges included four felony counts of manufacturing/delivering of marijuana, one misdemeanor for possession of marijuana and another misdemeanor count for possession of drug paraphernalia.

Coppage appeared in court for arraignment with a not guilty plea. He waived his right to a speedy trial.  He is currently free on a $2,500 signature bond.

At the time of the arrest, Coppage was enrolled at UW-Whitewater with intent to graduate from the university.

UW-Whitewater athletic director Paul Plinske said he got to know Coppage and his family during his time at UW-Whitewater and supported his desire to play on a professional level.

“Like any other very successful student athlete, he had aspirations to play professionally, so he wanted to pursue those opportunities in 2012 to become a professional football player,” Plinske said. “When things did not go his way, he decided to return to Whitewater and continue his education.”

Plinkse said he and UW-Whitewater reached out to Coppage at the time of the arrest to offer assistance.

“We extended out to Levell just like we would any of our current or former student athletes,” Plinske said. “We truly believe that student athletes who come to Whitewater are here for educational experiences, and just because their playing career is over with doesn’t mean that our role as educators is over.”

Plinske said he has not had any contact with Coppage since his arrest.

“Unfortunately, he has had to leave the area and is trying to resume life,” Plinske. “We have no idea what the legal situation is right now.  It is totally out of our hands.”

During his time on the Warhawks football team, Coppage rushed for at least 1,000 yards in four years, which is a WIAC recor. He also broke the records for the most touchdowns (109), points (654), and season touchdowns (35) and points (210), as well as breaking several others.

Coppage could not be reached for comment.