Dylan Devezin: A Purple Knight’s journey to the Golden Dome

NEW ORLEANS – Dylan Devezin is on a path to winning in the game of life.

Making things happen at The University of Notre Dame, he plays a critical role on special teams as a placeholder. Devezin knows his position is critical to his team. A late kick can be the difference between a big win or a heartbreaking loss. He’s embracing the opportunity to play college football for a traditional power.

Devezin started his football journey at St. Augustine High School, following his father’s footsteps by attending his alma mater. Dylan worked hard on and off the field to become the starting quarterback for the Purple Knights his senior year, helping lead them to a successful season including a playoff victory against Archbishop Shaw in 2022. In his final game, Devezin put forth an outstanding performance against the eventual state champions Catholic Baton Rouge in a 42-35 loss.

“I put my head down and I kept working. I had faith in God that my opportunity would come,” said Devezin. “It was a rough season but I took full advantage of the opportunity. Just going a 1000 miles away from home was really hard knowing the grass is going to be greener on the other side but it comes with a little work.”

Very few schools came after Devezin to play college football but he was always a diligent student-athlete, taking care of business in the classroom by maintaining over a 3.50 GPA and earning a very high ACT score. Notre Dame came calling and offered Devezin a full academic scholarship.

Devezin made the decision to take the opportunity for a great college education in South Bend, Indiana. He was part of the most successful St. Augustine graduating class in school history. In 2022, the school had every student accepted into college, including a combined $9.2 million in scholarship offers.

“Dylan Devezin, a remarkable former student and now a standout player for Notre Dame, has consistently exemplified leadership since the day we met,” said Kendall Crawford, St. Augustine Director of Student Affairs. “I am thrilled to see him seize this incredible opportunity and continue represent his family and our great school.”

Devezin’s father Brandon Devezin, Sr. played a critical part in Dylan’s development while Dylan’s older brother Brandon Devezin, Jr. inspired him on the football field.

Brandon was a member of the 2014 Edna Karr state championship team. Devezin had to overcome adversity when Brandon passed away due to complications from COVID in 2021. Dylan looked up to his big brother for guidance and love. That moment inspired Dylan to fight for his dreams, achieve his goals and make his life better.

“Everything happens for a reason. I reaped the benefits of graduating from St. Aug and there’s no other school I rather go to,” said Devezin. “St. Augustine is the reason why I’m at Notre Dame. My message is to keep God first, keep working, and trust that everything happens for a reason. It happens for your personal good that God has for you.”

Dylan arrived at Notre Dame focused. He stayed in the classroom and study hall throughout his first semester but he still had a hunger to play football. Devezin stayed in contact with Notre Dame coaches about getting an opportunity to make the team but the spots were filled.

Instead, he gathered some information about playing club football for and jumped in with full force. Notre Dame coaches including head coach Marcus Freeman noticed how Dylan played and his passion for the game. When spring football approached, the Irish needed a quarterback to fill out the team. Dylan took advantage of the opportunity, worked hard and won a spot as a walk-on.

“You’re at Notre Dame and there is always pressure if you’re on the field or not. There’s 80,000 fans at every home game and we’re one of the most historical programs in college football,” said Devezin. “There’s definitely a lot more pressure here than in high school. Most importantly try to maximize your opportunities and to be a better quarterback. I’m blessed to be in the quarterback room with Sam Hartman and the guys that has extended football knowledge. Everybody is learning and they definitely want to be that guy.”

Notre Dame had their quarterbacks stay after practice to hold for field goals. Devezin took it very seriously, seeing it as a way to get on the field. Now he’s the starting holder for the Irish.

It was bit of a challenge for Devezin because long snapper Michael Vinson and kicker Spencer Shrader were now pressed for time before the start of the 2023 season. Devezin wasn’t on the roster last season, and Shrader didn’t arrive in South Bend until June, so extra work before and after practice has been crucial to build chemistry and master those precious seconds.

Devezin, Vinson and Shrader proved to be a successful unit this season. Shrader made 70 percent of field goals (14 of 20) and 98 percent of his extra points (56 of 57). Notre Dame finished with a record of 9-3 and a No. 15 ranking with a berth in the Tony The Tiger Sun Bowl where the Fighting Irish blew out a ranked Oregon State squad Friday in El Paso, Texas.

“St. Augustine has poured so much into me and others guys that has played on this level,” said Devezin. “I feel like I’m still representing St. Aug. In everything you do, you have to think about the guys under you, the coaching staff under you, and how it reflects on them. The same habits I had at St. Aug, I carry them here at Notre Dame. You try to do your best for them, so they can feed off the fruits of your labor. Then they can also be inspired to pass it down when they get to the next level.”

Devezin has really embraced this experience, not just a football player and a student athlete but most importantly a human being overcoming obstacles and achieving goals. He feels that this is just the beginning of great things to come in his life. He hopes he inspires others that faced adversity to don’t give up and fight for their dreams.