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Big Orange Report June 26, 2025

 

Meet the Vols 2025

Tight Ends
Position Coach-- Alex Abeln
All Star Candidate-- Miles Kitselman

Miles Kitselman-- RS Senior (6-5, 255, 4.7) Lyndon, Kansas-- After playing only cameo roles at Alabama, Kitselman transferred to Tennessee last year and blossomed into an elite player off the edge of the offensive line. He started 13 games for the Vols and grabbed 24 passes for 301 yards and four touchdowns. His best single game was vs. Kentucky when he caught six passes for 97 yards and the winning touchdown throw in the fourth quarter. He also had a rushing score against Georgia. The offensive staff got a double bonus with him because he is also a stubborn blocker for the run game in the Vol offense. He is rehabbing from an injury but is expected to be full speed by the start of the season, if not sooner. Another bonus for the team is the fact that he spends a significant amount of time working with the young tight ends on this year's roster. Kitselman has also attracted some attention from NFL scouts.
Ethan Davis-- RS Sophomore (6-5, 248, 4.55) from Atlanta, Georgia-- With Kitselman out during spring drills, Davis stepped up and served notice that he was ready to contribute this autumn. He is the most athletic player at the position with an impressive skill set that includes size, speed and good hands. A couple of injuries slowed him some during his first two years in Knoxville but in reserve duty he did catch 13 passes with one producing a TD. Davis was a three-sport star in high school and once poured in 43 points in a basketball game. He was ranked as a top 5 tight end prospect by three of the four major recruiting services despite missing his senior year with an injury. During his junior campaign, Davis caught 61 passes for 755 yards and eight touchdowns. This is a player who may be on the verge of exploding towards elite status.
Jack Van Dorselaer-- Freshman (6-5, 240, 4.65) from South Lake, Texas-- An early enrollee who got plenty of attention in spring drills, JVD turned some heads and attracted attention with his attitude and aggressive style. He was a two-way star in high school and received 10 offers from SEC schools as a four-star ranked prospect. ESPNU rated him the No. 6 tight end recruit in the nation for the Class of '25. Reports indicate that he plays with the fire of a determined pass rusher, very physical and tough. What surprised the staff was his ability to catch the football in the passing game and his work ethic to earn a spot as a blocker on the edge. The guess here is that Van Dorselaer will see the field early and often this fall.
Cole Harrison-- Red Shirt Freshman (6-5, 241, 4.7) from San Mateo, California-- Harrison did not arrive on campus until last summer after he finished high school. He was a first team All-NorCal selection after catching 35 passes for 631 yards and 8 touchdowns during his senior year. Harrison certainly will have an opportunity to earn a key reserve spot when practice gets underway in August.
DeSaahn Brame-- Freshman (6-4, 230, 4.55) from Derby, Kansas-- An intriguing freshman who was ranked as a top 5 tight end prospect by three services (No. 3 by ESPN) and as the No. 78 overall recruit in the nation by On3, Brame is loaded with potential but might be a year away from contributing in a significant way. During his senior year in high school, Brame accounted for 1065 yards of total offense and crossed the goal line 18 times. The training staff is working overtime with him to increase his strength and add about 10 pounds to his frame before the season gets underway.
Position Summary
This group has a unique blend of veterans and young talent that could produce very positive results for the Big Orange. Coach Heupel is very fond of deploying two tight ends in his offensive formations. Kitselman and Davis can both catch the football and Davis worked hard to improve his blocking since the conclusion of the '24 season. Van Dorselaer is scrappy and will hunt a defender to get a hat on when blocking. 

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