The leadership and growth that Daniels built at Miami are now heading to the next level
As former Hurricane receiver CJ Daniels prepares for arguably the biggest stage of his life, he took a moment during the NFL Combine to reflect on his winding college journey that led to what he calls “the best year of my life.”
“It was always a childhood dream to play SEC ball so I went to LSU, had a great year there and great experience, but I decided to part ways and end up at Miami for what I say is the best year of my life,” Daniels said when speaking on his college journey.
His senior year in Coral Gables came under Mario Cristobal, who Daniels gave credit for helping him grow.
“It was one of the greatest years of my life. Being recruited by Mario Cristobal not just once but twice, he took a chance on me,” Daniels said. “He was brutally honest with me, and I needed that as a player and as a person. But this year it was a great experience.”
During his one season with the Hurricanes where he brought in 50 receptions for 557 and 7 touchdowns, Daniels was a pivotal factor in Miami’s run to the national championship, as he served as the leader in a young wide receiver group. Daniels emphasized that approach he instantly brought to Miami’s receiver room.
“I created a routine, get on the jugs every day and watch film every day. We were just intentional about our work, and I think I had a great impact because the same thing we were doing then, they’re doing now,” he said.
Daniels gave credit to his quarterback Carson Beck as well, who is also in Indianapolis this weekend for the NFL Combine. “I think he’s a pro quarterback. He’s about his business, and I think he had a huge impact on me.”
Now, as Daniels heads into draft season, he’s confident that the discipline and leadership he built at Miami will stick with him during his journey. The same routine that he created during his final season of college season is what he brings to the next level, and that’s something teams should be looking for.
(Photo Credit: Christian Proscia, NewEraPrep)
