LSU QB continuing to showcase growth heading into Citrus Bowl
Athleticism has never been an issue for LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels.
The 6-foot-3, 200-pounder has displayed the perfect marriage of speed and elusiveness with a strong and accurate arm throughout his career. He carried those tools with him during his first three seasons at Arizona State and brought them to LSU when he transferred in February.
Daniels was the starting quarterback when LSU took on Florida State in the opener at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans on Sept. 4. While the Tigers finished on the losing end of that game, the junior nearly rallied his team with two touchdowns in the final four minutes, finishing with 325 total yards (114 rushing, 209 passing).
That dual-threat Daniels has powered No. 17 LSU (9-4, 6-3 SEC) to its best season since 2019, including an SEC West title. The Tigers find themselves back in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl (1 p.m., ABC), set to take on Purdue (8-5, 6-3 Big Ten) Monday at Camping World Stadium.
Daniels’ progression as a complete quarterback has impressed his offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock.
“He always knew he was athletic and he could get out of the pocket, but what’s been remarkable to me is the development that he’s made as a thrower,” Denbrock said. “His accuracy has improved and his ability to see things and his movement keys. All those things have grown as the season has gone on. His confidence and ability to make plays in the passing game have grown.”
“I knew I was very athletic and could make plays outside the pocket,” added Daniels. “It was going back to movement keys and the big growth in the passing game. I would say that the Tennessee game clicked for me and the offense and the receivers were noticeably on the same page.”
Daniels finished fifth in the SEC in total offense after passing for 2,774 yards with 16 TDs and 3 INTs while rushing for 818 yards with 11 touchdowns. His 3,592 yards of total offense rank No. 2 in school history behind only former Heisman Trophy winner Joe Burrow (6,093 in 2019).
His performance hasn’t eluded Purdue’s defensive coordinator Mark Hagen.
“Every game you turned on, he makes plays,” said Hagen. “He’s able to escape a rush. We’ve used the word slippery to describe him. It looks like defenses have a shot on him and he finds a way to get out of it. He’s the guy that makes their offense go.”
LSU is ranked No. 30 in the country in total offense in the first season under new coach Brian Kelly.
“One of the things we’re most proud of offensively is the growth we’ve made throughout the year,” said Denbrock.
That growth on the offensive side should carry over to next season, especially with Daniels deciding to return to LSU in 2023.
“It was the best decision for me to come back,” he said. “I feel like I need to grow and have unfinished business in college.”