Coppin State signs Bishop McDevitt's Dawan Smith

ATHLETE: Dawan Smith (5-7/160)
SPORT: Baseball
HIGH SCHOOL: Bishop McDevitt, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
COLLEGE: Coppin State University Eagles

THE DETAILS: A quick visit in late April was enough to convince Bishop McDevitt’s swift second baseman that Coppin State would be his next baseball destination. The Crusaders’ lead-off man will join the Eagles of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference in the Fall.

THE DECISION: “I met most of the players and they had a real good chemistry, and they have the type of coaches that I need,” said Smith, who was considering Duquesne before the Division I program was terminated. Smith also said interest came from several Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference programs and Virginia Military Institute. “They are the type of coaches that push you to the limit, preach discipline. There are some of the same rules I followed at McDevitt.”

PROJECTED MAJOR: Possibly business management.

THE ATHLETE: Speed is a precious commodity at the next level, so there was little doubt the dangerous Smith would find a spot in the collegiate ranks. After his call-up to the varsity level midway through his sophomore season, Smith gained a ton of attention last summer when he clocked a breezy 6.60 at the American Legion All-East workout. Gaining a “better understanding of the game” this season, Smith rolled up a .380 average from his lead-off position and shared the Mid-Penn Conference lead in stolen bases with 19. “Overall, it’s just the way you think about the game,” said Smith, who tacked on 25 runs for the Crusaders (10-11). “I definitely improved with my bat and defensively.”

PROJECTED MAJOR: Possibly business management.

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