For redshirt sophomore defensive back Davion Coffee, playing Division I football for UB is about more than just learning a new playbook; it’s about representing where he comes from, and proving that his path out of Rochester has led somewhere bigger.
“It means a lot, ya know,” Coffee said. “A lot of people do not make it out of Rochester, they fall to gang violence or poverty. It feels great that I overcame coming out of a-not-so-great area to play DI football for UB.”
After completing his redshirt sophomore season, Coffee is now focused on continuing to develop and compete for a role in the team’s starting defensive secondary. The transition from high school football in Rochester to Division I has been one of the biggest adjustments of his career.
“The kids are bigger, faster and stronger,” Coffee said. “The speed of the game is totally different, much faster.”
During his time in the program, Coffee said one of the biggest influences on his development has been defensive coordinator and safeties coach Brian Dougherty, who helped him understand the game at a deeper level, beyond just his individual position.
“[Dougherty] broke the game down to understand it better, what formations they are in, the personnel. He helped me identify what was happening on the fly.” said Coffee. “He has also helped me become a better man; life lessons that I am extremely grateful for.”
Coffee has experience playing both slot corner and strong safety, but said he prefers the slot corner position.
“As a slot corner, I’m closer to the line of scrimmage on some plays,” he said. “When I am a strong safety, I am the last line of defense and I am pretty far back. I prefer playing slot corner because I like to stop the run and there is more action.”
Coffee is preparing for his next year in the program, and is focused on continuing to improve and earn chances on the field. His past year included development, both on and off the field, with a goal to be the starting slot corner for the 2026-27 season as he continues to represent Rochester at the Division I level.
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Photo: Courtesy of Paul Hokanson/UB Athletics
