July 17, 2024 – Canton, Ohio –
DeRohn King has been named the starting quarterback (QB1) for the University of Fort Lauderdale (UFTL) football team, a strategic decision by Coach Damon Cogdell, who also serves as the athletic director. King’s impressive performance last season, despite limited playtime, showcased his capabilities. In four games, he threw for 227 yards, achieved four touchdowns with no interceptions, and added nine rushing yards. A standout game against North American University, where King threw for 95 yards and three touchdowns leading the Eagles to a 34-29 victory, likely solidified his role as the primary quarterback option. This game highlighted King’s ability to manage high-pressure situations effectively, proving his worth as a leader on the field.
King’s journey to this pivotal role included a developmental stint at Dodge City Community College before transferring to UFTL. His high school tenure at Deerfield Beach further underscored his potential as a dual-threat quarterback, making him a valuable asset to UFTL’s offensive strategy. In contrast, Trey Wainwright, who started the 2023 season as UFTL’s QB1, faced significant challenges. Despite his high school accolades, including being named the 2020 USA Today Florida Offensive Player of the Year, Wainwright struggled with consistency at the college level. Over six games, he managed 277 passing yards with four touchdowns and two interceptions, coupled with 32 rushing yards. His initial promise couldn’t be sustained, leading to the pivotal shift in quarterback leadership.
The 2023 season posed significant challenges for UFTL. The team often displayed strong first-half performances only to falter in the latter stages of games. A notable example was their loss to Warner University, where early promise gave way to a second-half collapse. Defensively, the Eagles allowed an average of 58 points per game, a statistic that underscores the areas needing improvement if they are to enhance their competitive edge. Despite these struggles, individual performances like King’s provided glimpses of potential that the team aims to build upon in the coming season.
Coach Damon Cogdell, a Miami native, has a vision for building a formidable team rooted in local talent. Joining UFTL as head coach in 2022, Cogdell brings a wealth of experience from successful coaching stints at both high school and collegiate levels, including roles at West Virginia University and South Florida University. His tenure at Miramar High School in Miami was particularly distinguished, compiling a 72-19 record and leading the team to a state championship while producing numerous collegiate and NFL players, such as Geno Smith and Stedman Bailey. This local focus is part of a broader strategy to cement UFTL as a powerhouse in South Florida football.
Cogdell’s impressive coaching resume includes guiding the Carol City defense in 2016 to a unit that led South Florida by giving up just 105 yards and 9.2 points per game. His success continued with roles at West Virginia University, where he coached the defensive line and helped players like Shaq Riddick earn accolades and NFL Draft selections. Cogdell’s dual role at UFTL underscores his dedication to the program, with his extensive background and commitment to local talent development expected to have a positive impact on the Eagles’ football program. The appointment of King as QB1 is a strategic move to capitalize on his demonstrated capabilities and leadership. King’s efficiency and ability to manage high-pressure situations effectively are crucial as UFTL aims to turn the corner and improve their performance in the upcoming season. This decision, coupled with Cogdell’s vision and leadership, aims to foster growth and success for UFTL’s football program, solidifying their presence in the competitive landscape of South Florida football.
