Tennessee flips Oregon 4-star TE DaSaahn Brame and he talks decision to follow heart
Derby, Kansas tight end DaSaahn Brame made it official on Sunday when he flipped his commitment from Oregon to Tennessee. Before he announced his decision, he detailed why Rocky Top was his pick with Volquest.
“Honestly I felt like I really had a strong connection with the coaching staff at Tennessee,” Brame said. “They were like my third offer that I got so I’ve know them for two to three years so it was hard saying no to them and everything Tennessee has to offer and Knoxville in general. It’s an amazing place.”
Brame was going to pick Tennessee back in June before Oregon made a late push to secure his initial commitment. The feelings that he developed during his official visit with other Tennessee commits just weighed on him over the last month.
“I just kept thinking I made the wrong decision,” Brame said. “I knew where my heart was.”
And that official visit is where he spent time with plenty of members of the Tennessee class.
“Honestly it happened when I went down in March to hangout with George (MacIntyre) and Jack (Vandorselaer) and a couple of other commits that were down there. Just to be around the players and coaching staff. What really sealed the deal for me was on my official visit and I was getting hosted by a couple of transfer tight ends that came in the spring. They were telling me about their experiences and how they were liking and how the coaching staff was treating them.”
Tight ends coach Alec Abeln has worked hard to establish a great relationship with Brame. The two really jived, but what was it that resonated for Brame?
“Honestly just his coaching style,” Brame said. “I got to watch him in spring practice and just how he is with his players. Getting to talk to those players and ask them how they like him. He showed me the progress from when the guys came in to now. I really feel like he can develop me into a great player.”
Tennessee is on a run in landing top shelf quarterbacks under Josh Heupel. Knowing that have him a great peace of mind that he would get the ball.
“It was huge in just getting to talk to George and spend a little time with Nico on my official,” Brame said. “Just being able to see I have someone that can get me the ball was definitely a big part of it as well.”
And Heupel also played a big role in the decision.
“Definitely huge,” Brame said. “The thing about him is, I hope coach Halzle doesn’t leave but if there happened to be a new OC, it’s his offense and is run how he wants it to be. I knew that wouldn’t be a huge change. And he is just a real personable guy. Just being able to talk to him about the whole recruiting process, he was my go to guy if I had any questions.”
Brame has a nice frame and showcases plenty of athleticism. He feels like he can be a real asset for the Vols.
“Definitely a receiving threat in the pass game,” Brame said. “Also being versatile tight end, being able to be in line and blocking and split out in the slot or outside.”
