Jayden Daniels

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Jayden Daniels
refer to caption
Daniels with the LSU Tigers in 2023
Washington Commanders
Position:Quarterback
Personal information
Born: (2000-12-18) December 18, 2000 (age 23)
San Bernardino, California, U.S.
Height:6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)
Weight:210 lb (95 kg)
Career information
High school:Cajon (San Bernardino)
College:
NFL draft:2024 / Round: 1 / Pick: 2
Career history
Roster status:Unsigned draft pick
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics
Player stats at NFL.com · PFR

Jayden Daniels (born December 18, 2000) is an American football quarterback for the Washington Commanders of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Arizona State Sun Devils for three seasons before transferring to the LSU Tigers in 2022. A dual-threat quarterback, Daniels won the Heisman Trophy in 2023 after leading the NCAA with 50 touchdowns (40 passing, 10 rushing) and nearly 5,000 yards of total offense. He was selected by the Commanders second overall in the 2024 NFL draft.

Early life and high school[edit]

Daniels during his time attending Cajon High School, 2018

Daniels was born on December 18, 2000, in San Bernardino, California.[1][2] He grew up playing several sports, including football, basketball, and soccer. Daniels attended and played football at Cajon High School in San Bernardino, passing for 170 touchdowns and 14,007 yards, both CIF Southern Section records, with 41 rushing touchdowns and 3,635 yards in four seasons.[1][3] He also ran track at Cajon, participating in the 100 metres, 200 metres, 400 metres, and 4 × 100 metres relay.[4]

Daniels was named the men's recipient of the Ken Hubbs Award, given annually the top high school athletes in San Bernardino, following a Citrus Belt League championship and state finals appearance as a senior in 2018.[a][3] After the season, in which Daniels was rated as the top dual-threat quarterback prospect of the 2019 class by 247Sports,[5] he committed to play college football for the Sun Devils at Arizona State University. Daniels graduated from Cajon and enrolled in January 2019.[6] He was recruited by Arizona State assistant coach Antonio Pierce.[7]

College career[edit]

Arizona State (2019–2021)[edit]

See also: Arizona State Sun Devils football statistical leaders
Daniels with the Arizona State Sun Devils in 2019

Daniels was the first true freshman quarterback to start opening day for the Sun Devils, scoring three total touchdowns in a win against the Kent State Golden Flashes.[8][9] He was named the Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Week in a Week 13 upset win against the #6 Oregon Ducks,[b] passing for 408 yards and scoring three touchdowns.[10] Daniels threw for 17 touchdowns and 2,943 yards for the 2019 season, the latter stat being a school record for a freshman.[11] He was voted MVP of the 2019 Sun Bowl in a win over the Florida State Seminoles and named a semifinalist for the FWAA freshman of the year award.[12][13]

Daniels and the Sun Devils played only four games in the COVID-shortened 2020 season, including scoring three touchdowns in a blowout Territorial Cup win against the Arizona Wildcats.[c][14] In June 2021, the NCAA announced that Arizona State was under investigation for violating recruiting guidelines set for the COVID-19 pandemic, with them finding Daniels' mother had booked $1,100 in flights for staff to visit recruits.[15][16] In 2021, he all the Pac-12 in completion percentage (65.4) while throwing for 2,381 yards with 10 touchdowns and 10 interceptions, the latter being the highest of his career, en route to an 8-5 record and an appearance in the 2021 Las Vegas Bowl against the Wisconsin Badgers.[17][18]

LSU (2022–2023)[edit]

See also: LSU Tigers football statistical leaders
Daniels (#5) is the only player in FBS history to record over 350 passing and 200 rushing yards in the same game, doing so with the LSU Tigers against the Florida Gators in 2023.

In March 2022, Daniels transferred to Louisiana State University to play for the LSU Tigers.[19] He was named the starter over Garrett Nussmeier prior to the season opener.[20] Daniels led the Tigers to a 9–3 record and an appearance in the 2022 SEC Championship Game against the Georgia Bulldogs.[21] Daniels left the game with an ankle injury following a sack by Jalen Carter late in the second quarter.[d][21] He returned for the 2023 Citrus Bowl the following week and caught a touchdown pass from wide receiver Malik Nabers in a blowout victory over the Purdue Boilermakers.[22] He finished the 2022 season as a semifinalist for the Davey O'Brien Award after accounting for 28 touchdowns (17 passing, 11 rushing).[9][23][24]

Daniels went 10–3 with the Tigers in 2023, setting the NCAA single-season passer rating record (208) while scoring 50 touchdowns (40 passing, 10 rushing) and leading the NCAA with 4,946 yards of total offense (3,812 passing, 1,134 rushing).[25][26] Against the Florida Gators, he became the first player in FBS history to pass for 350 and run for 200 in single game.[e][27] A week later he scored eight total touchdowns against the Georgia State Panthers,[f] tying a school-record previously set by Joe Burrow.[28] Daniels won the Heisman Trophy for the season, becoming the third LSU player to win it behind Billy Cannon (1959) and Burrow (2019).[29] He sat out of the 2024 ReliaQuest Bowl to prepare for the 2024 NFL draft, finishing his college career with 16,057 total yards of offense, the sixth-highest in FBS history and the only to pass for 12,000 yards with 3,000 yards rushing.[30][31]

Statistics[edit]

See also: NCAA Division I FBS total offense leaders and NCAA Division I FBS passing leaders
College statistics
Year School Games Passing Rushing
GP Record Cmp Att Pct Yds Avg TD Int Rtg Att Yds Avg TD
2019 Arizona State 12 8–4 205 338 60.7 2,943 8.7 17 2 149.2 125 355 2.8 3
2020 4 2–2 49 84 58.3 701 8.3 5 1 145.7 33 223 6.8 4
2021 13 8–5 197 301 65.4 2,381 7.9 10 10 136.2 138 710 5.1 6
2022 LSU 14 10–4 266 388 68.6 2,913 7.5 17 3 144.5 186 885 4.8 11
2023 12 9–3 236 327 72.2 3,812 11.7 40 4 208.0 135 1,134 8.4 10
Career 55 37–18 953 1,438 66.3 12,750 8.9 89 20 158.4 617 3,307 5.4 34

Awards[edit]

Records[edit]

  • Only player in FBS history with 12,000 passing yards and 3,000 rushing[31]
  • LSU quarterback career rushing yards: 2,019[40]
  • LSU total offense in a season: 4,946 (2023)[40]
  • LSU quarterback rushing yards in a season: 1,134 (2023)[40]
  • LSU single-game total touchdowns: 8 (2023)[28]
  • LSU single-game total offense yards: 606 (2023)[27]
    • Only player in FBS history to pass for 350+ and rush for 200+ in the same game[27]
  • LSU quarterback rushing touchdowns in a season: 11 (2022)[40]
  • Arizona State passing yards for a freshman: 2,943 (2019)[11]

Professional career[edit]

Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight Arm length Hand span
6 ft 3+5⁄8 in
(1.92 m) 		210 lb
(95 kg) 		32+1⁄2 in
(0.83 m) 		9+3⁄8 in
(0.24 m)
Values from LSU's Pro Day[41][42]

Daniels was selected second overall by the Washington Commanders in the 2024 NFL draft.[43] He was one of six quarterbacks taken in the first round, tying the 1983 draft for the most in NFL history.[44]

Personal life[edit]

Daniels' father Javon was a college football cornerback for the Washington Huskies and Iowa State Cyclones in the 1990s.[1] He is a Christian.[45] Daniels chose 5 as his uniform number after former NFL quarterback Donovan McNabb.[46] His favorite meal to prepare is pasta such as spaghetti, with his favorite snack being honey buns.[47]

Daniels holds an undergraduate degree from Arizona State and pursued a Master of Liberal Arts degree at LSU.[48][49] In 2023, he began using virtual reality headsets as part of his weekly training.[50] The software was custom built to incorporate LSU's playbook and featured opposing stadiums that assisted in road game preparation.[50]

Notes[edit]

  1. ^ The Cajon Cowboys lost 34–30
  2. ^ The Sun Devils won 31–28
  3. ^ The Sun Devils won 70–7
  4. ^ The Tigers lost 50–30
  5. ^ The Tigers won 52–35
  6. ^ The Tigers won 56–14

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c Brugler, Dane. "The Beast: 2024 NFL Draft Guide" (PDF). The Athletic. p. 6. Retrieved April 14, 2024.
  2. ^ Gardner, Michelle (December 18, 2019). "Arizona State football: Jayden Daniels celebrates birthday and addition of receivers". Arizona Republic. Retrieved January 3, 2020.
  3. ^ a b Murphy, John (May 21, 2019). "Cajon's Daniels, Grand Terrace's Flores win Ken Hubbs awards". The San Bernardino Sun. Retrieved April 14, 2024.
  4. ^ Alexander, Wilson (December 5, 2023). "An LSU quarterback has never run like Jayden Daniels. Here's what sets him apart". NOLA.com. The Times-Picayune/The New Orleans Advocate. Retrieved May 7, 2024.
  5. ^ Karpman, Chris (August 30, 2019). "Oklahoma-bound Spencer Rattler top-rated QB by 247Sports, Arizona State-bound Jayden Daniels No. 2". 247Sports.
  6. ^ Gardner, Michelle (December 13, 2018). "Jayden Daniels picks Sun Devils over offers from Alabama, Ohio State, Georgia and dozens of others". The Arizona Republic. Retrieved May 6, 2024.
  7. ^ Tafur, Vic (March 1, 2024). "Jayden Daniels enjoys 'surreal' combine reunion with Raiders coach Antonio Pierce". The Athletic. Retrieved April 24, 2024.
  8. ^ Harris, Jack (August 30, 2019). "True freshman Jayden Daniels wins QB job for Sun Devils". 247sports.com. Retrieved March 3, 2023.
  9. ^ a b "Jayden Daniels College Stats". Sports Reference. Retrieved May 5, 2024.
  10. ^ Layman, Matt (November 25, 2019). "ASU's Jayden Daniels earns 2 Pac-12 honors after win over Oregon". Arizona Sports. KTAR-FM. Retrieved November 14, 2023.
  11. ^ a b Anderson, Jake (January 4, 2020). "By the numbers: Arizona State QB Jayden Daniels' freshman season". Arizona Sports. KTAR-FM. Retrieved November 14, 2023.
  12. ^ Bloomquist, Bret (December 31, 2019). "ASU quarterback Daniels wins Sun Bowl MVP award". El Paso Times. Retrieved January 1, 2020.
  13. ^ "Jayden Daniels Named Semifinalist for FWAA's Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award". thesundevils.com. December 23, 2019. Retrieved May 6, 2024.
  14. ^ "Territorial rout: Arizona State blows out rival Arizona 70-7". ESPN. December 11, 2020. Retrieved May 6, 2024.
  15. ^ Thamel, Pete (June 24, 2021). "Dossier reveals extent of NCAA allegations against Arizona State football". Yahoo! Sports. Retrieved November 12, 2023.
  16. ^ Heim, Mark (April 23, 2024). "Jayden Daniels' mom provided impermissible benefits at Arizona State; Herm Edwards gets show-cause". AL.com. Retrieved April 24, 2024.
  17. ^ WDSU Digital Team (March 6, 2022). "LSU football adds transfer Jayden Daniels to 2022 roster". WDSU. Retrieved May 6, 2024.
  18. ^ "Allen, Wisconsin hold off Arizona State in Las Vegas Bowl". ESPN. Associated Press. Retrieved May 5, 2024.
  19. ^ Nagy, Zack (April 10, 2022). "LSU QB Jayden Daniels Says Transferring "Best Thing I Could've Done"". SI.com. Retrieved November 12, 2023.
  20. ^ Sallee, Barrett (September 4, 2022). "Jayden Daniels wins LSU QB job: Arizona State transfer to start for Tigers in season opener, per reports". CBS Sports. Retrieved May 5, 2024.
  21. ^ a b Wolk, Benjamin (July 17, 2023). "Brian Kelly, LSU players explain what was learned from SEC title loss and what it takes to close gap on UGA". 247sports. Retrieved May 5, 2024.
  22. ^ Murschel, Matt (January 2, 2023). "LSU dominates Purdue 63-7 to claim Citrus Bowl win". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved May 5, 2024.
  23. ^ "Daniels Named Football MVP at Annual Awards Show". LSU Sports. December 12, 2022. Retrieved April 14, 2024.
  24. ^ "Daniels Among 21 Semifinalists for Davey O'Brien Award". LSUSports.net. LSU Tigers. November 15, 2022. Retrieved May 5, 2024.
  25. ^ "Total Yards Year-by-Year Leaders and Records". Sports Reference. Retrieved April 30, 2024.
  26. ^ Podell, Garrett (April 24, 2024). "Jayden Daniels landing spots: Ranking 5 best NFL Draft fits for reigning Heisman Trophy winner". CBS Sports. Retrieved April 30, 2024.
  27. ^ a b c Olson, Eric (November 13, 2023). "LSU's Jayden Daniels only FBS quarterback to pass for 350 and run for 200 in single game". AP News. Retrieved November 14, 2023.
  28. ^ a b "Daniels Scores 8 TD's in 56-14 Win Over Georgia State". LSUSports.net. LSU Tigers. November 18, 2023. Retrieved December 22, 2023.
  29. ^ a b Cobb, David (December 9, 2023). "2023 Heisman Trophy winner: LSU QB Jayden Daniels claims award becoming third Tigers player to receive honor". CBS Sports. Retrieved December 9, 2023.
  30. ^ Rittenberg, Adam (December 18, 2023). "LSU's Jayden Daniels to enter NFL draft, skip bowl game". ESPN. Retrieved January 8, 2024.
  31. ^ a b "Jayden Daniels is the first player ever to achieve these passing and rushing milestones". NOLA.com. November 11, 2023. Retrieved April 14, 2024.
  32. ^ Aldam, Will. "LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels named 2023 Walter Camp Player of the Year". CT Insider. Retrieved April 14, 2024.
  33. ^ Martel, Brett (December 7, 2023). "Daniels Wins LSU's Second 'AP Player of the Year' Award". LSUSports.net. LSU Tigers. Associated Press. Retrieved April 14, 2024.
  34. ^ Nettuno, Tyler (December 14, 2023). "Jayden Daniels named Sporting News Player of the Year". Yahoo Sports. Retrieved April 14, 2024.
  35. ^ Salerno, Cameron (December 9, 2023). "College football award winners 2023: LSU QB Jayden Daniels wins Walter Camp, Davey O'Brien awards". CBS Sports. Retrieved April 14, 2024.
  36. ^ Ted, Lewis (March 28, 2024). "Jayden Daniels' whirlwind tour ends in New Orleans with one final award: 'I am very blessed'". The Advocate. Retrieved April 14, 2024.
  37. ^ "Jayden Daniels wins the 2023 Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award". Golden Arm Foundation. November 30, 2023. Retrieved April 14, 2024.
  38. ^ Al-Khateeb, Zac (December 13, 2023). "2023 consensus All-America team: Jayden Daniels, Brock Bowers lead SEC football selections". The Tennessean. Retrieved May 7, 2024.
  39. ^ Darcey, Reed (December 6, 2023). "SEC coaches give Jayden Daniels another honor. See the latest award the star QB won". The Advocate. Retrieved May 5, 2024.
  40. ^ a b c d "Jayden Daniels". LSUSports.net. LSU Tigers. Retrieved May 7, 2024.
  41. ^ "2024 NFL Draft: What We Learned from LSU's pro day". NFL.com. Retrieved March 27, 2024.
  42. ^ "2024 LSU Football Pro Day". LSUSports.net. LSU Tigers. March 25, 2024. Retrieved March 27, 2024.
  43. ^ Keim, John (April 25, 2024). "Jayden Daniels to Commanders with No. 2 pick in NFL draft". ESPN. Retrieved April 26, 2024.
  44. ^ Alper, Josh (April 25, 2024). "Six quarterbacks in first round ties NFL record". Pro Football Talk. Retrieved April 30, 2024.
  45. ^ Palin, Julia (November 25, 2023). "IN FOCUS: Jayden Daniels Has 'The Heart of a Champion'". LSUSports.net. LSU Tigers. Retrieved December 11, 2023.
  46. ^ Magee, Patrick; Alexander, Wilson (December 6, 2023). "Five things you probably didn't know about LSU star QB Jayden Daniels". NOLA.com. The Times-Picayune/The New Orleans Advocate. Retrieved May 7, 2024.
  47. ^ "What a Top NFL Draft Prospect Eats in a Day (feat. Jayden Daniels)" (Video). GQ. April 24, 2024. Retrieved May 5, 2024.
  48. ^ Gardner, Michelle (March 6, 2022). "Former Arizona State quarterback Jayden Daniels headed to LSU". Arizona Republic. Retrieved April 14, 2024.
  49. ^ "August 2022 CCACSA Student-Athletes of the Month". LSU Sports. August 4, 2022. Retrieved April 14, 2024.
  50. ^ a b Lewis, Alec. "The German VR 'flight simulator' behind LSU QB Jayden Daniels' Heisman-caliber 2023 season". The Athletic. Retrieved April 14, 2024.

External links[edit]

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