For the second installment of the Panther in the Pros series, we’ll highlight another 2022 KWC graduate, defensive end Dalan Cofer. Cofer is a product of Bowling Green High School in Bowling Green, Kentucky who currently sits at second all-time in career sacks in Kentucky Wesleyan football history with 16.5.
Dalan was accustomed to being successful on the field well before his collegiate career, as he won three high school state championships in 2013, 2015, and 2016. He was a large part of the Bowling Green Purples’ run, winning five Class 5A state titles in six years.
“The run we went on showed me that winning isn’t going to be easy at anything in life,” Cofer said. “You have to continually be willing to work on your craft and listen to constructive criticism more than praise until the job is finished.”
Cofer was an immediate impact on the field when he arrived on campus at Wesleyan in 2017. He totaled 35 tackles, six tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks on his way to being named Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC) All-Conference Second-Team in his true freshman season. Despite his early success, Cofer didn’t slow down at all in year two, recording 42 tackles and five sacks, including a 32-yard pick-six against Quincy University.
“Coming to Wesleyan checked a lot of boxes that I was looking for in a college,” Cofer said. “Close to home, small class sizes, being able to secure a great scholarship for myself, and having one of my best friends and high school teammates (Charles Tooley) come with me was just icing on the cake.”
After another strong season his junior year, Cofer was named to the G-MAC All-Conference team once again. Like many others, Dalan’s senior campaign was derailed due to the spring season in 2020. Cofer then returned for a fifth year in 2021, putting up an impressive career-high 53 tackles and four sacks. He finished his career as a Panther second in school history and fourth in G-MAC history in sacks. Dalan was also named to the Kentucky Pro Football Hall of Fame preseason Kentucky Collegiate All-Commonwealth team twice.
“We were able to compete with some of the best teams in the conference towards the end of my career, which was a huge change from when I got there,” Cofer said. “The atmosphere at Wesleyan is unique…Owensboro felt like home and the community made me feel like I was there all along. Being around great teammates and coaches set me up for many opportunities on the field and I’m happy that I had the ability to make so many of them.”
Shortly after graduating from Wesleyan, Cofer signed with the Duke City Gladiators in January 2022. The Gladiators are an Indoor Football League (IFL) team located in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Unfortunately, Dalan’s time with Duke City was cut short due to an injury. He wouldn’t let this set him back though, as he recently got another opportunity to sign with the Salina Liberty of the Champions Indoor Football (CIF) league in Salina, Kansas.
“I had a great time in Albuquerque,” Cofer said. “It was a great opportunity. I always had dreams of playing football across the country and meeting different people. While playing with Salina, I’m looking forward to playing in front of some of the best fans in the CIF and meeting some great people in the community.”
Cofer will get his first shot professionally when the Liberty host the Topeka Tropics on March 4th at 7:00 p.m.
“I want to leave a legacy of someone who played hard on the field, was a great teammate, and made a positive impact on kids,” Cofer said. “Specifically in Bowling Green, I want the kids to know that it doesn’t matter how you started or your background. Work always wins in the end and education is the greatest equalizer.”
What advice do you have to players who signed to play football at Wesleyan in the Fall:
“Do not let that Division II tag fool you. You might not know a single team in D2 right now but trust me they have ballers just like any other level. Also, go see Alex Vogel (KWC’s Director of Sports Medicine) a lot, he’s the man. He’ll keep your body right.”
