Hayesville’s Dawson DeVane Signs to Play Baseball at Bryan College

On Friday, June 13, 2025, the lobby of the Darryl K. McClure gymnasium at Hayesville High School buzzed with pride as Yellow Jacket baseball player Dawson DeVane signed a letter of intent to play college baseball at Bryan College in Dayton, Tennessee. DeVane became the fourth player from this year’s Hayesville team to sign with a college program and the second to join Bryan, where he will join teammate Tate Roberts.

The signing ceremony, attended by family, friends, teammates, administration officials and coaches, celebrated DeVane’s journey to this milestone. A versatile athlete known for his years as Hayesville’s catcher, DeVane transitioned to third base this season at the request of head coach Joe Jack Sellers. In his senior year, DeVane batted .286 with 10 RBIs and drew 14 walks, showcasing his offensive contributions. Beyond the stats, Sellers praised DeVane’s intangibles. “Dawson’s work ethic was obvious when we needed a third baseman, and he made the move,” Sellers said. “He had some key hits for us this season and was the head cheerleader in the dugout. He is a gamer.”

DeVane shared how the opportunity at Bryan College materialized. “A couple of weeks ago, Mrs. Annisa Roberts told me about a camp they were having out there for unsigned athletes from the class of of 2025, so I went out there,” he said. “A couple days later, I got a text from the coach saying they were going to offer me; they were just waiting for the recruiting coordinator to reach out. When they did reach out, I said ‘Yes!’ right off the bat.”

DeVane’s path to baseball wasn’t always certain. Many in Jacket Nation expected him to pursue football, but an injury last season shifted his focus. “I had an injury last season that scared me pretty bad,” DeVane admitted. “I wasn’t going to play baseball this year, but I also felt like maybe I could take this to the next level, and here we are,” he said with a grin.

At Bryan, DeVane will study physical education, with plans to return to Hayesville someday. When asked about coaching, he replied enthusiastically, “Definitely! Hopefully, I get to come back here some day and help when I can.”

Surrounded by his loved ones and the Hayesville community, DeVane’s signing marked a moment of resilience and promise for the Yellow Jacket star, whose work ethic and team spirit will undoubtedly shine at Bryan College.