KFBCA Top 11: Da'Saahn Brame

The Kansas Football Coaches Association picked their All-State teams in early December, including the All-Class Top 11. Kansas Pregame is providing capsules for each of the Top 11 selections. Check out Derby tight end Da'Saahn Brame's capsule below. For a look at the complete 2024 KFBCA All-State teams click here.

With high expectations going into 2024, Derby senior Da’Saahn Brame did not disappoint and put together a dominant senior season that earned him a spot on the KFBCA Top 11 and recognition as the Gatorade Kansas Football Player of the Year. Brame helped lead Derby to an 11-1 record and a Class 6A state semifinal appearance, where the Panthers fell to Manhattan, 31-21. It marked the third consecutive year Brame and Derby reached at least the semifinals, following a state runner-up finish in his junior season and a semifinal appearance during his sophomore year.

Brame recorded 40 receptions for 756 yards and 14 touchdowns as a senior while also returning three punts for touchdowns and rushing for one score. His athleticism and versatility made him one of the most unique players in Kansas.

“There are not too many 6-6, 225-pound punt returners,” Derby head coach Brandon Clark said. “He returned three punts this season.”

Clark highlighted Brame’s intangibles as defining traits. “Da'Saahn led by example,” he said. “He had a great work ethic. One of our best lifters in the weight room and always going 100% in practices.”

On the field, the senior’s physical ability and grace on an NBA forward’s frame made him an overwhelming force for defenders. “His size with his strength, speed, and athletic ability,” Clark said, describing Brame’s biggest strength. “He was a tremendous blocker, route runner, and had great hands.”

Clark also recalled early recognition of Brame’s potential. 

“I told his parents when he was still in diapers that he was going to be an unbelievable tight end when it’s all said and done,” Clark said.

Brame’s accolades extend beyond the field. He has volunteered as a motivational speaker at elementary schools and as a youth football coach.

Ranked as one of the nation’s top tight end prospects and a four-star recruit by 247Sports, On3, and ESPN, Brame had offers from 34 Division I programs, including 31 from Power Four schools, before signing with Tennessee, where he is expected to enroll early.

Brame leaves Derby as one of the most decorated players in program history, following in the footsteps of past Gatorade Player of the Year and KFBCA Top 11 recipients from Derby, Lem Wash (2020) and Dylan Edwards (2022).