Rolesville tight end Davis Brown will follow his older brother to Florida to play college football. Only he won’t play for the same college team.
While Byrum Brown signed with South Florida in 2021 after a standout prep career at Rolesville, Davis Brown will forge his own path at Florida International beginning in 2026. Davis Brown announced his commitment to the Panthers and new coach Willie Simmons on June 24. He’s the first known North Carolina commit to FIU in this cycle.
Brown stands 6-5, 255 and has played a variety of roles for the Rams the past two seasons. Primarily a blocking tight end/H-back in 2023 – he made five catches for 36 yards and two touchdowns – Brown shifted to left guard on the offensive line for part of 2024 due to teammate injuries. He still finished with 10 catches for 83 yards and four TDs as the Rams advanced to the 4A title game.
Brown did have an offer from USF, where his older brother will be a senior this fall. Maryland also offered, as well as Charlotte and Campbell in-state. He boasts a 3.6 GPA.
Brown took his official visit to FIU on June 23 and committed shortly thereafter.
✞ AGTG… I’m Home Panther Nation!! #PawsUp🐾 @HCWillieSimmons @CoachDemas @CoachFrankPonce @FIUFootball @RRACKLEY9 @RamsFootballNC pic.twitter.com/4Km9XoaZpV — Davis Brown (Class of 2026) (@DavisBrown_26) June 24, 2025
“He is one of the premier receivers in the state,” national recruiting analyst Tom Lemming said earlier this year in a post on X. “An all around player who can run, catch and block. He has very good separation speed after catch and is a willing blocker.”
Brown is the fifth 2026 player from Rolesville to announce a college commitment. He joins defensive end/tight end Malachi Harris (Old Dominion), edge rusher Zavion Griffin-Haynes (North Carolina), linebacker Jayden Griffin-Haynes (North Carolina and wide receiver Gavin Waddell (Louisville).
Rolesville is expected to be one of the top teams in the new 8A classification this season. The Rams, coached by Ranier Rackley, have a loaded non-conference schedule, opening at Mallard Creek, hosting NCISAA powerhouse Providence Day and then traveling to Richmond Senior during the first three weeks. Conference foes include in the Cap 8A include Athens Drive, Broughton, Corinth Holders, Enloe, Leesville Road, Millbrook and Wakefield.
