Categories: College University Athletics

University Player Dallan Coleman Switches from Basketball to Football

Dallan Coleman training hard as he prepares for his new role in football.

News Summary

Dallan ‘Deebo’ Coleman, a former standout basketball player at the University of Central Florida, has transitioned to the Knights football team as a tight end for his final NCAA eligibility year. Coleman, who started 30 games for the UCF basketball team, has a rich football background from his youth and is now preparing for his new role under head coach Scott Frost. His dual-sport experience and remarkable athleticism bring optimism about his potential contributions to the football program.

Orlando, FL – Dallan “Deebo” Coleman, a standout former basketball player for the University of Central Florida (UCF), has officially made the transition to the Knights football team as a tight end for his final year of NCAA eligibility. Coleman’s switch from basketball to football marks a significant shift in his athletic career and offers him a new opportunity to compete at a high level in a different sport.

During the 2024-25 season, Coleman started 30 games for the UCF basketball team, where he demonstrated his skills as a versatile player. He has recently begun summer workouts with the UCF Football program under the guidance of head coach Scott Frost and offensive coordinator Steve Cooper, preparing for his new role on the gridiron.

According to NCAA rules, Coleman is eligible to play an additional season in a sport outside of basketball, provided it falls within his five-year eligibility window. This opportunity arises from his extensive background in football, which began when he was just four years old. Coleman was a dual-sport athlete throughout much of his youth until he chose to focus primarily on basketball by his sophomore year of high school.

As a high school athlete, Coleman excelled in football as both a quarterback and safety for West Nassau. His impressive stats during that time included 147 rushing yards, 154 passing yards, and five interceptions. His talents on the basketball court were equally prominent, as he earned Florida’s Mr. Basketball and the 4A Player of the Year awards during his senior year, leading his team to the state semifinals.

Before joining UCF, Coleman spent three seasons at Georgia Tech, where he appeared in 92 games and averaged 7.3 points per contest. His performance at Georgia Tech laid the foundation for his transfer to UCF, where he aimed to make an impact in his final collegiate basketball season, averaging 5.3 points and 4.2 rebounds. His contributions played a crucial role in helping the UCF basketball team reach the championship game of the College Basketball Crown.

Throughout his basketball career, Coleman has maintained a passion for football, regularly watching games and remaining involved with his high school team. This enduring love for the sport motivated him to make the switch to football, a decision met with excitement and support from his family, particularly from his father, Ran Coleman, who emphasized Deebo’s lifelong enthusiasm for the game.

Signing with UCF represents a significant change for Coleman, but he is embracing this new chapter with determination. Head coach Scott Frost and the football staff have expressed enthusiasm about Coleman’s potential contributions to the team, citing his athletic background and prior successes as assets to the Knights’ program.

As Coleman embarks on this new journey with UCF Football, observers will be keen to see how his skills as a former basketball player translate to the football field. With his extensive experience in both sports, there is optimism that he will make a meaningful impact during the upcoming season, potentially strengthening the team’s performance as they compete in a challenging collegiate football landscape.

Colleagues and fans alike will undoubtedly be watching Deebo Coleman closely as he transitions into his role as a tight end and works to carve out a new legacy in the world of college football.