UCF football is certainly putting together an interesting roster for the 2025 season. A couple of weeks ago, they signed a former MLB baseball player to potentially be their punter this next season, and now Scott Frost is bringing a former UCF basketball player into the mix.
Dallan "Deebo" Coleman is making the switch from basketball to football for his final year of eligibility, as he is unable to use it on the basketball court. The NCAA rules give him five years, but the final year can be used in a non-basketball sport. Coleman plans to make the transition to tight end for the Knights.
Now, it is not like this player has never set foot on he football field. Coleman was playing both basketball and football from a young age and did so up until his sophomore year of high school, when his recruiting took off for basketball. Coleman was a Top-100 ESPN recruit in high school and chose to focus on just one sport going forward. After spending three seasons at Georgia Tech, Coleman decided to transfer to UCF this past season to play his final basketball season with the Knights.
At UCF this past season, Coleman averaged 5.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.1 steals playing about 23 minutes a night. Coleman was known for his large size on the defensive end, giving him an edge on the glass with rebounds and helping his defense. Head basketball coach Johnny Dawkins bid farewell to his former player, but is happy that he will be staying in Orlando.
"We're excited for 'Deebo' as he embraces a new chapter in his collegiate career," Dawkins told 247Sports. "Looking forward to seeing him suit up for Coach Frost and watching him compete on the gridiron."
While back in high school, Coleman was primarily a safety, he was moved around a lot, and now he will settle into the tight end position. He will be coached by offensive coordinator and tight ends coach Steve Cooper, who actually has a history of helping basketball players make the transition from the court to the field. He coached All-Pro Denver Broncos tight end Julius Thomas before he was drafted in 2011.
Get ready, Knight fans, Coleman is staying at UCF, but is trading in basketball shorts and shoes for pads and football cleats.