Beginning his tenth season as a full-time staff member in 2024, Cedric Dawkins starts his sixth year as the Profs’ defensive coordinator, while marking his 12th year overall at Rowan. Dawkins also serves as the strength & conditioning coach for the Rowan athletic department, which includes directing the football team’s strength and conditioning program.
During his time at Rowan, Dawkins assisted with the defense that earned a Top 20 national ranking in total defense, and the number-one ranking in the NJAC during the 2014 and 2015 seasons.
Prior to joining the Profs, Dawkins was an assistant coach at William Paterson from 2008-10, where he worked with the defensive backs, tight ends and receivers and was the special teams coordinator in 2009 and 2010. He coached the NJAC Rookie of the Year and two All-Conference players at WPU. In 2007, he was an assistant coach at Globe Institute Technology College.
Dawkins coached at Poly Prep Country Day School in New York from 2004-06, helping the team go 20-10 as he served as the special teams coordinator and worked with the running backs and offensive and defensive lines. From 2000 to 2003, Dawkins was an assistant coach at East Rockaway High School in Long Island, NY.
He is a member of the American Football Coaches Association and serves on the Division III Assistant Coaches Committee. Dawkins is also a member of the National Strength and Conditioning Coaches Association and possesses a USA Weightlifting Coaches certification.
Dawkins earned a bachelor’s degree in physical activity and health from Eastern Oregon University in 2011. He attended Hofstra University from 1986-90 and was a two-year starter at running back.
Dawkins currently resides in Ocean City, NJ, with his wife Monica, daughter Chiara and sons, Christian, Matteo and Micco.
Dawkins’ Recruiting Areas
Essex, Passaic, Union Counties
New York State
