Huntingdon’s Braylin Dearmon Signs with UTM Football

HUNTINGDON (February 9) — Huntingdon High School senior football standout Braylin Dearmon will continue his gridiron career at the University of Tennessee at Martin. Dearmon marked the commitment with a signing ceremony Monday afternoon in the HHS library, surrounded by family, friends, coaches, teammates and educators.

Principal Porsche McClerking (also Braylin’s basketball coach) welcomed everyone and said, “This is a huge day, a special day… I’ve been able to watch [Braylin] grow up from a young boy into a man, and I’m so proud of all of the stuff that he’s done. I’ve seen the countless hours that he’s put in. All of the hard work. He’s wired different. He’s only got one gear, one speed. It’s a testament to his hard work. UT Martin is going to get a great one.”

Mustang football Head Coach Eric Swenson said he and his fellow coaches saw the potential over the past two years. He said, “He was kinda flying under the radar. We knew we had a guy on our hands, that all he had to do was get noticed and he was going to sign somewhere. We’re looking forward to going down and watching him play. He’s going to make an impact right off the bat.”

Braylin’s mother, Krista Darnall, thanked the coaches, teachers, other supporters and, especially, his teammates, saying, “Thank you for giving him one heck of a senior season.”

His father, Joey Darnall, echoed the importance of an extended season in giving Braylin exposure. He said, “We wouldn’t be standing here if it wasn’t for [these coaches and teammates]. We just needed more time, and by God, y’all gave it to us.”

A three-sport athlete, Braylin told The Banner he chose football over baseball and basketball because, “I felt like it would get me stronger and physically better in sports and in life.”

He said he chose UTM because of the coaching. “They win there. I want to win, I want to get bigger and stronger. Coach Simpson changed my mind over time, and I feel like I’m at home there.”

UTM is signing Braylin, who has played multiple positions on both sides of the ball, as a linebacker, but the coaches told the incoming freshman that, depending on his performance, he could eventually see some time at tight end.

Braylin told The Banner, “This is a special moment for me and my family. I’m just happy to be here.”