Daniels Star Rising - An Article by Jim Gazzolo

When Jayden Daniels transferred to LSU it was hardly considered big news on the national level. 

With all the other quarterbacks moving around the country Daniels flew well under the radar.

Few wondered if the former Arizona quarterback would even play much at LSU let alone make a big impact. There was no starting job waiting Daniels, he had to win the spot.

When Brian Kelly finally picked him to be the Tiger starter last year many considered it to be a mistake. 

Daniels has proved his coach more than right to have gone with him. 

After a solid first season in Baton Rouge Daniels has really turned things on this year for the Tigers. Despite two early-season losses Daniels is making his way into the Heisman Trophy conversation and moving up in mock drafts with the back half of this year still to go.

As the Tigers get set to host Army this weekend, Daniels is marching with the best and biggest names in college football’s quarterback race. He has Kelly in his corner and numbers to back up his candidacy.

Over LSU’s first seven games of the season Daniels has thrown for 2,294 yards and 22 touchdowns while running for another four. He has just three interceptions while connecting on 73 percent of his pass attempts. 

He has run for 515 yards as the Tigers have become an offensive juggernaut.

Daniels has noted the different in this year’s offense, which has been forced into shootouts as the LSU defense has more than struggled, leading to the 5-2 record.

“Just the explosive plays we’re able to create within the offense,” Daniels said of the difference. “Another year in the system helps out a lot.”

Considered by many as possibly the top duel-threat quarterback in all the land, Daniels even found himself on the Assoicated Press’ midseason All-Amercia team.

When you consider he has led the Tigers to late comebacks against both Arkansas and Missouri Daniels is clearly making a name for himself. And he has a could of big games left to increase his Heisman chances as well.

In two weeks LSU will take on Alabama, with a spot in the SEC championship game still on the line for both teams. It is the perfect opportunity to make a push in front of a national audience.

Winning big games are the best way to pick up attention and votes. The Tigers also still have Florida on their schedule. 

Making Daniels even more of a contender for college football’s biggest award is the type of game he plays. He may show his toughness in the clutch but there is more than enough flash for the highlight reels. 

He will head into the Army game leading the nation when it comes to yards per pass attempt, meaning he is more than willing to throw the ball down the field. It could be argued Daniels throws the best long ball in the game.

That is something both voters and NFL scouts covet. 

Daniels’ time at LSU may have started slowly, but it is prime for a big finish.

Jim Gazzolo is a freelance writer who covers McNeese athletics. He is the host of Poke Nation on CBS-Lake Charles.