How Lexington’s all-time leader in TD catches became late addition to U of L football class

It was a surprise to most across the state when Sayre School senior Brock Coffman signed with the University of Louisville football program on Wednesday. Coffman himself was still a bit stunned.

Coffman, who committed to Ohio University in mid-October, didn’t know he would be staying in the commonwealth until Tuesday night. That’s when, following a conversation with his family and Sayre head coach Chad Pennington, he accepted a scholarship offer extended earlier that evening from U of L head coach Jeff Brohm.

Louisville had kept a close eye on Coffman since Brohm took the program’s reins in December 2022. When he was informed of a late flip away from his program, Brohm looked down I-64 for a worthy replacement in the signing class.

“They had lost a commit, and when they were in the room talking, coach Brohm was saying that he liked me a lot,” Coffman said in a phone interview Saturday. “He said that the impression I made on him when I first met him was just great, and obviously my talent helped me out. Making that good first impression was great.”

He signed as a wide receiver but is ultimately willing to play defense for the Cardinals if that’s what’s deemed best for the team. Ohio’s defensive coordinator, Spence Nowinsky, had been Coffman’s primary recruiter with the Bobcats.

“He was like, ‘Wow, that sucks for us but it’s great for you,’” Coffman said. “We had built a great relationship. … I got close with all the other commits, we had a group chat and they wished me good luck with state and all that. They were congratulating me on the flip, too. Even though it’s a loss for them, they were all still supportive throughout the way.”

Coffman finished his career with 61 touchdown receptions, fourth most in the KHSAA record book and the most by any receiver in Lexington history (Lexington Catholic’s Clay Wolford, who played from 1997-2000, ranks second with 47). He scored his last three Friday afternoon, leading Sayre to a 27-22 win over Raceland in the Class A championship game. The team celebrated its first KHSAA championship — in any sport — with a bonfire at the Sayre Athletic Complex.

“We had pizza and stuff and chilled,” Coffman said. “It was awesome.”

While Coffman has been a University of Kentucky fan his entire life, his grandfather and uncle are “huge” Louisville supporters. The Wildcats weren’t a significant player in his recruitment.

“Sometimes I would talk to Vince (Marrow), but I don’t really feel like I was taken seriously enough,” Coffman said.

Coffman, listed at 6 feet tall and 170 pounds, was named Class A Player of the Year by the Kentucky Football Coaches Association and is a candidate for this season’s Mr. Football award.

This story was originally published December 7, 2024 at 7:50 PM.