Taye Diggs has been drafted by The CW.
The “Rent” actor will co-star in the network’s untitled football drama pilot from “Reign” executive producer and writer April Blair, an individual with knowledge of production tells TheWrap.
The Greg Berlanti-produced project centers around a rising high school football player from South Central L.A. who is recruited to play for Beverly Hills High. The story follows the wins, losses and struggles of two families from vastly different worlds — Compton and Beverly Hills — begin to collide. The drama is inspired by the life of pro football player Spencer Paysinger.
Diggs will play Billy Baker, Beverly Hills High’s dedicated football coach. Having attended Crenshaw himself, Billy has an intense desire to see Spencer (a transfer from his alma mater) succeed on and off the field, even if his efforts impact his relationship with his own son.
Diggs’ other TV credits include “Private Practice,” “Empire,” “The Good Wife,” “Ally McBeal,” and TNT’s “Murder in the First.” He previously starred in the ABC drama pilot “Doomsday,” which did not make it to series.
He’s repped by ICM Partners and Authentic Talent and Literary Management.
Blair penned the pilot script and will executive produce, along with Berlanti and Sarah Schechter under the Warner Bros. TV-based Berlanti Productions banner. Rob Hardy is taking the director’s chair for the pilot and exec producing. Robbie Rogers will also produce and Dane Morck will serve as a consultant.
The Hollywood Reporter first broke the news of Diggs’ casting.