UCLA DB commit Dayven Coleman breaks down decision to go Bruins
DALLAS, Tex. -- Three-star defensive back Dayven Coleman has played a lot of cornerback so far in his high school career, but it’s not too difficult to see that he’s a little thicker than most players that lineup at that spot.
So it seems appropriate that Coleman’s alias on twitter is currently Burger Basket. At last Friday’s True Buzz Athletics media day, he explained that the moniker has a more obvious backstory.
“Where I’m from, they have burger baskets for like, five dollars,” he said. “It’s good because you get the seasoning on you fries - I mean, it’s good. It’s worth five dollars.”
Coleman transferred to West Mesquite last year, and at one point, was a Louisiana Tech commitment.Since then, he’s flipped to UCLA after breaking well into double-digit offers heading into his senior season.
“Basically, when I was at Skyline [High School], I always knew I had the talent,” he said. “A lot of people don’t know, but Arkansas State was supposed to be my first offer, but it didn’t come through. [After transferring to West Mesquite] My defensive coordinator pushed me every day - just no days off - and pushed me hard to be the best player I could be and it started paying off.”
IN HIS WORDS
On if fellow UCLA commit Cam Jones influence his decision?
“No, it was all on me,” he said. “Me and my mentor, Coach (Joey) Moss went out there and did the camp, and I got MVP there. Me and Coach (Demetrice Martin) have a great relationship, so when he offered me it was a no-brainer that I wanted to commit.”
On vision for his future role on the Bruins defense
“From my understanding, I’ll be playing nickelback, a lot of safety, and outside linebacker,” he said. “It just depends on where the team needs me, but it’s easy.”
RIVALS REACTION
Coleman certainly has a unique physique for a defensive back, but should be capable of moving around the back-seven in a defense. He’s had high-and-lows this offseason at different events but has generally been an effective defender in pass coverage and is a sneaky ballhawk when the play is in front of him. He and Jones should be expected to be a strong play-making safety duo in a few years’ time.