DaSaahn Brame, the massive 6-foot-5, 240-pound tight end, is already up ten pounds from last season. He’s looking stronger and more explosive, with tight ends coach Alec Abeln talking up his “mastery of the offense.” The hype around Brame’s second-year jump is real, and the potential for him to become a true matchup nightmare is off the charts.
The Hype Is Real, But So Are the Hurdles
This guy’s pedigree? It’s elite. Brame was a 4-star prospect, ranking inside the top 50 overall by On3, choosing Tennessee over Oregon just two recruiting cycles ago. Last season, as a true freshman, he appeared in nine games despite being buried fourth on the depth chart. He snagged six passes for 63 yards, and three of those grabs came against Alabama in Tuscaloosa. Think about that for a second. Playing as a true freshman, way down the depth chart, and still making an impact in big games. Later in the year, when injuries piled up, they even used him as a slot option. That’s versatility! Now, heading into year two, he’s moving up a notch or two on the depth chart, meaning way more opportunities are coming his way.
Mastering the Trenches: The Key to More Snaps
Abeln is pumped about Brame’s work, saying, “the work that those guys have done in the weight room, on the field, those guys are moving better, they’re stronger, more explosive, allowing him to translate in the box a little bit more.” That’s the stuff you wanna hear! But here’s the honest truth, what Coach Abeln said next hits different: “If we can’t protect, the coordinator has to call it differently.” He made it crystal clear: “Really from a strength, physicality standpoint, that’s probably number one as far as earning trust is.” For Brame, blocking is the biggest hurdle. Abeln admitted it’s “probably really frustrating for him,” but stressed he’s “taken a lot of steps on and looks really good through two days without it.” The Volunteers have been running bigger lineups with multiple tight ends, and that means everyone has to pull their weight in both run and pass blocking. Trent Thomas, for example, was brought in specifically for his blocking ability. Brame has to embrace his likely situational role, and Abeln says he’s doing just that. Translating all that weight room power to on-field blocking takes “time, timing, sequencing and understanding how your technique plays into it.”
Brame is “super talented” and came in with huge expectations and a lot of pressure. He’s facing a new challenge, for the first time not getting all the snaps he wants. But with those extra ten pounds, improved explosiveness, and a serious focus on blocking, you gotta be excited for what he’ll do in camp to dominate.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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