Dewayne Coleman watched from the sidelines in his Army hoodie and sweatpants as his classmates produced a pivotal play in the 2022 Army-Navy game.
Then, a freshman scout-team quarterback, Coleman said Noah Short’s block and Jabril Williams’ touchdown fumble recovery inspired him to continue to grind toward his goals.
Every college quarterback desires to be the offense’s leader. Coleman never gave up on his dream while being the best teammate possible.
Whether he was on the scout team or in the mix as Bryson Daily’s backup last season, Coleman was always that encouraging light. He was one of the first to greet Daily touchdown after touchdown or a young teammate making a standout play last fall. Coleman stepped in for Daily and helped Army to decisive win over rival Air Force in November.
A foreshadowing of things to come. Coleman has waited for this moment Friday night at Michie Stadium.
This is Coleman’s offense, his team. The senior is now in a leadership position on the field as Army’s starting quarterback.
“I think he’s seen himself in that role in his mind mentally since Bryson has left (graduated),” Army offensive coordinator Cody Worley said. “We had an open competition (in preseason). He embraced it. He understood that. He didn’t take anything for granted. Not one rep. Not that he started a game, not that he’s played in games. He didn’t take one minute for granted.
“I tip my hat to the way he goes about his business, very professional in the way he handles things. And he’s earned his opportunity. I think he’ll be ready for it.”
Coleman’s love was always football from the time he started playing youth with his brothers and cousins in Detroit, Mich. He was taught toughness and composure early by his father, Dewayne Coleman II, telling him, “when you are the quarterback,the camera is always on you.”
Coleman’s level mindset is from his grandfather Dewayne Coleman I, who taught him the ways of the Bible.
“In the Bible, it says, ‘Be patient and trust in the Lord and stay composed,’” Coleman said. “That’s really where it comes from.”
Family has always be a motivating force for Coleman. Coleman’s life became bigger than the game of football in June. He and his fiancée, Maritza Montanez, became parents to a baby girl, Ivelisse Rose.
“My fiancée, Maritza Montanez and my beautiful daughter, Ivelisse Rose Coleman, those are my two drivers,” Coleman said. “I talk to them every day, every second of the day and they keep me going. They keep me positive and keep me grounded whenever I get too hard on myself.”
Last season’s start against Air Force and Friday night aren’t Coleman’s only time in the spotlight. Coleman was featured on Friday Night Tykes, a reality sports series, as a member of 12-under San Antonio Outlaws.
“I played quarterback, receiver, offensive line, defensive line, safety, cornerback,” said Coleman, who moved to Texas with his mother, Val, who was in the Air Force.
Coleman settled in at quarterback at Roosevelt High School and was one of the better San Antonio prep signal callers his senior year. He originally committed to Division II Texas A&M-Kingsville. Coleman was going ROTC and the plan was to follow his mother’s path and serve in the Air Force.
Army’s loss of two quarterback recruits opened an opportunity for Coleman. Offensive line coach and former Army fullback Mike Viti reached out to a trusty San Antonio source and Coleman’s name came up along with Max DiDomenico, a team captain and safety for Army in 2024.
“I played in the same all-star game as Max,” Coleman said. “We were kind of the top guys in San Antonio. I was given opportunity to go to prep school. Once coach Viti called me, I committed on the spot. I was blessed to become part of the West Point tradition and grow and it was my true dream to become an officer.”
Leadership is one of Coleman’s top qualities. It’s one of the reason why Army coaches feel guiding the offense isn’t too big for the senior. Teammates agree. Decisive is a word that fullback Jake Rendina uses to describe Coleman.
“He’s always going to have your back,” Rendina said. “He’s one of those guys that you can call in dark days. If you are in a phone booth and you need somebody, you call Dewayne Coleman.”
Coleman’s name will be called with Army’s starting unit during pregame Friday night. He’s the Black Knights’ QB1. This is Coleman’s team. This is his time.
“He’s waited his whole life for this,” Army coach Jeff Monken said. “He’s prepared his whole life and his whole career to be the starting quarterback on a college football team and now, he’s here.”
