"Heart Over Hype: The Undersized Enforcer With Big-Time Energy and Bigger Impact"

Dominique Charles Coleman

@dominiquecole45

IG: @d4oe5ive

5’10, 195lbs, Class of 2026

Cypress Falls HS, TX

Dominique plays the game the way it’s supposed to be played, with heart, toughness, and a full understanding of what his role means to the team. He’s a hard-hitting, instinctive defender who brings value in multiple ways. He plays fast downhill, closes space in a hurry, and can also drop into coverage and hold his own across the middle. His versatility stands out. One play, he’s stepping into the box to disrupt a run, the next he’s breaking up a pass in coverage. He’s vocal, steady, and does the little things that don’t always show up on paper. Before the snap, he’s already scanning how the QB and running back are lined up, using that to anticipate what’s coming. He’s a communicator, a decision-maker, and a player who understands how to take control of a defense.

Last season, Dominique had 50 tackles, 8 sacks, and 6 pass breakups, showing his ability to make an impact in both the pass and run game. Still, he walked away wanting more. He had three opportunities for interceptions and one that could’ve gone for six. This year, he’s not letting those slip. His offseason focus has been on reading plays quicker, breaking on the ball faster, and continuing to improve his pursuit and angles. He’s especially motivated knowing this is his final season with the teammates he’s grown up with, a group he calls brothers. He’s coming into this year with a clear goal to make every moment count and silence every voice that ever underestimated him.

What makes Dominique different is how steady he is.. He understands that size isn’t everything. “I may not have the average D1 size, but I have D1 skill,” he said. And he backs that up with the way he works. He plays with urgency, and he leads with accountability, making sure his teammates are lined up correctly and locked into the call. He’s coachable, focused, and physical, and any program that gives him a shot is going to get someone who never takes a rep off. Faith plays a big role in how he handles pressure and adversity. He was taught young that adversity is part of life. You pray, and then you face it head-on. That mindset that’s helped him rise through challenges, stay grounded, and keep moving forward.

Dominique has taken visits to North Texas, Sam Houston, and Texas Southern, and is receiving interest from Lamar. While recruiting continues to unfold, he’s focused on staying ready. What catches his attention in a school is that it values him and cares about his family, too. That means something. He’s grateful for every opportunity that comes his way and promises to give everything he has to any program that believes in him. Coaches can expect a smart, physical player who puts in the work and takes the game seriously. His message to the younger players behind him is, “Don’t take a single rep for granted. The mental reps matter just as much. Watch everything.”

The best coaching advice he’s ever received is “Don’t get caught up in other people’s path, your time will come when it’s supposed to.” Dominique has lived by that. He’s trusted the process, kept the focus on what he can control, and now he’s ready to finish strong.

I assess that Dominique brings vocal leadership, versatility, and consistent toughness to the field. His ability to defend the run, contribute in coverage, and communicate on the back end makes him a reliable asset in any defensive scheme. His work ethic, maturity, and understanding of the game give him a strong foundation for the college level.

Expect Dominique to keep growing into his role as a leader and playmaker. He’s already showing signs of being a steady contributor at the next level. If given the right opportunity, his skill, mindset, and drive will allow him to earn his place and help a program on and off the field. Stay tuned for a breakout season ahead.