In every draft cycle there is one signal caller who has a breakout year, a season that takes him from an afterthought to a first round pick. Could Jayden Daniels be the next quarterback to take this path after a promising spring game showing for LSU?
The Sun Devil years
Up until this point, Jayden Daniels’ career has been very up and down. Committing to Arizona State as the number one dual threat quarterback in the 2019 recruiting cycle, Daniels had a lot of expectations on his shoulders. Many predicted he could lead the Sun Devils to a Pac-12 title. In the end, Daniels showed flashes at ASU but never quite met the expectations placed on him. Now in his final season of eligibility as the LSU starter can he unlock the potential that made him a four-star recruit in high school?
Statistically Daniels’ best season was as a freshman for Arizona State. He threw for 2,943 yards, 17 touchdowns and two picks, with 355 rushing yards and three scores on the ground. He looked great, making smart throws and keeping his completion percentage above 60% while routinely extending plays and using his legs to move the chains.
Daniels regressed in 2020, but the Covid-19 hampered season didn’t really help. He did bounce back in 2021, recording a 65% completion percentage and racking up 710 yards and six touchdowns as a runner. He struggled to get the ball in the endzone though, finishing with 10 touchdowns and 10 picks. Daniels looked to revive his career and at the end of the 2021 season announced that he would be transferring to LSU to link up with new head coach Brian Kelly.
Arriving in Death Valley
Daniels showed flashes in the 2022 LSU spring game, beating out Garrett Nussmeier and Walker Howard and showing he understood Kelly’s offense well. During the season, Daniels racked up 885 yards and 11 touchdowns with his legs, both of which were career highs. As a passer he logged a 68% completion percentage, 2,913 yards, 17 touchdowns and three picks. Daniels did also manage to lead the Tigers to an overtime win against the Nick Saban-led Crimson Tide. His game wasn’t without issues though.
Firstly, Daniels did not look like he had a great arm. His passes seemed floaty and lacking in any velocity. He was making fairly solid reads and kept the ball safe, but his throws just didn’t look good. Mechanically he was fairly sound too but it just didn’t impress many people, myself included.
Daniels’ size was also a concern. Whilst 6’4” is ideal height, his frame raised concerns. Whilst he did look bigger at the spring game and is now listed at 205 lbs, this is still small by NFL standards. His reliance on running is also worrying, especially after the injury he suffered at the back end of last season.
Now the negatives are out of the way let’s talk about the positives, because there are a decent amount. Daniels has great ball security. His completion percentage is also one of the highest in college football. He makes safe throws a majority of the time and is generally very accurate. Despite the fact that he runs at the first sight of pressure, he has made some huge plays with his legs – we all remember the Alabama game. Daniels keeps defenses on their toes as when he hits top speed he’s hard to catch.
He is also very experienced. Daniels has four years as a starter at the college level, which is no doubt why Brian Kelly has so much faith in him. He is also extremely coachable and there is clear evidence of growth in his game as a passer and runner.
What to expect from Daniels in 2023
The best way for Daniels to maximise his impact this year is simple – he needs to trust his offensive line. I understand last year’s apprehension. He was working behind a new line in a new system, but they came through stronger as the year progressed. Having that trust will allow plays to develop and give Daniels and his receivers more opportunities for big plays.
Whilst his speed is certainly an asset, he can’t run as much as he did last year. SEC football is hardnosed, and he can’t take as much contact, especially coming off an injury and with the light frame he’s working with.
Hopefully Daniels and Brian Kelly have been working on a playbook that will allow Daniels to flourish and showcase his talents in all facets of the game. There is a lot of talent at LSU and Daniels needs to be up to the task of not only leading his guys on the field but making sure they work as hard as him in the film room and in practice.
Whilst there is cause for concern, Daniels has the tools and support around him to elevate him game this season. LSU should definitely be looking at a playoff run and another crack at the SEC title as the team continues to grow and improve under Brian Kelly. With Daniels at the helm in his second year in this offense, the sky is the limit for these young men and their coaches. It’s Natty season in the Bayou and Jayden Daniels is a name you’ll want to remember!