Kansas football is expected to have one of its most successful seasons in program history in 2024. Under fourth-year HC Lance Leipold, the Jayhawks have gone from being one of the worst schools in Power 5 Football to a top team in the Big 12. He has taken KU to unprecedented heights during his tenure in Lawrence.
Leipold and his coaching staff have developed some tremendous talents since he arrived in 2021. He reeled in transfers like Dominick Puni and Austin Booker in the past, who were selected in this year’s NFL Draft. However, he still has some important players who were recruited by the failed coaching experiment of Les Miles that he managed to keep around.
Leipold and his coaching staff have developed some tremendous talents since he arrived in 2021. He reeled in transfers like Dominick Puni and Austin Booker in the past, who were selected in this year’s NFL Draft. However, he still has some important players who were recruited by the failed coaching experiment of Les Miles that he managed to keep around.
Two of those players are the quarterback-running back duo of Jalon Daniels and Devin Neal. The pillars of the high-octane Kansas football offense are a massive reason why the Jayhawks have enjoyed increased success in recent years. With that being said, KU supporters will be surprised to find out who didn’t make the cut in On3.com’s “Top 100 Players in College Football” list.
Neal received recognition on the rankings, landing No. 57 overall out of 100. Most fans would find that number reasonable. However, KU’s star signal-caller was absent from the list. On3 writer Nick Schultz does not think Daniels is a top-100 player in the NCAA.
The California native has endured his fair share of hardships at the collegiate level. Injuries have held him to just 12 games over the past two seasons, including a back injury that limited him to three appearances in 2023. Jason Bean filled in for him while he recovered from the ailment, but he has graduated and is off to the NFL.
Despite his injury history, his skills on the field are indisputable. His rocket of an arm has caught the attention of professional scouts across the country, and he is an excellent game manager. Daniels is also a mobile quarterback who can make throws on the run or tuck it and run if needed.
Many people are skeptical about whether Daniels will be able to stay on the field this year. While those concerns are warranted, they do not take away from what he can do when he is healthy. Jayhawk supporters will agree that Daniels absolutely deserved a spot on this list.
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