Dobyns-Bennett Athletes Commit to College Sports

Eleven Indians sign National Letters of Intent to continue academic and athletic careers

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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Eleven senior athletes from Dobyns-Bennett High School in Kingsport, Tennessee have signed National Letters of Intent to continue their academic and athletic careers at the college level. The group includes standout wrestlers, football players, swimmers, softball players, a lacrosse player, and a golfer, who will be competing at schools across the Southeast.

Why it matters

This signing day represents the culmination of years of hard work and dedication for these student-athletes, who have excelled both in the classroom and in their respective sports. Their achievements highlight the strength of the athletics program at Dobyns-Bennett and the opportunities available for talented high school athletes to compete at the collegiate level.

The details

The group of 11 Dobyns-Bennett seniors includes wrestler Mason Jakob, who has a remarkable 185-7 career record and is aiming for his fourth straight state championship before heading to West Virginia University. Football standout Tyler Grizzle overcame knee injuries to earn a scholarship to East Tennessee State University, while decorated swimmer Evie Dellinger will continue her career and begin military service at the Air Force Academy. Other signees include football players Jaylen Thomas and Zayden Hayes (University of Pikeville), softball players Phoenix Ahles (Odessa College) and Braelyn Ferrell (Pellissippi State), volleyball players Makiyah Blye and Mela Brice, lacrosse player Ricky Garcia (University of the Cumberlands), and golfer Blake Adams (Roane State Community College).

  • On Wednesday, the 11 Dobyns-Bennett seniors signed National Letters of Intent to continue their academic and athletic careers in college.
  • Mason Jakob is aiming for his fourth straight individual state championship on February 21 in Franklin, Tennessee.
  • Evie Dellinger will compete in her final high school meet this weekend at the TISCA Championships in Nashville.

The players

Mason Jakob

A Dobyns-Bennett senior wrestler with a remarkable 185-7 career record who has committed to continue his career at West Virginia University.

Tyler Grizzle

A standout football offensive lineman from Dobyns-Bennett who will play at East Tennessee State University after overcoming a pair of knee surgeries.

Evie Dellinger

A highly-decorated swimmer from Dobyns-Bennett who holds six individual school records and will continue her career and begin military service at the Air Force Academy.

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What they’re saying

“2027 national champion, that is my plan. That is the goal.”

— Mason Jakob (timesnews.net)

“He was probably about 75 percent of what he is as a 100 percent player. Still him at 75 is better than just about everybody that we play.”

— Joey Christian, Dobyns-Bennett Head Coach (timesnews.net)

“It is especially going to be hard there. I am totally aware of how hard it is going to be, but I am very excited for the challenge. I really like a challenge to really challenge myself to be better.”

— Evie Dellinger (timesnews.net)

What’s next

Mason Jakob will compete for his fourth straight individual state championship on February 21 in Franklin, Tennessee.

The takeaway

The signing day achievements of these Dobyns-Bennett athletes showcase the strength of the school's sports programs and the opportunities available for talented high school students to continue their academic and athletic careers at the collegiate level.