TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) — Jayden Daniels is a football phenom these days, excelling during his rookie season with the Washington Commanders one year after winning the Heisman Trophy following a standout season at LSU. His career hasn't always been this smooth and successful.
In an interesting twist to Daniels' rookie year, the Commanders are practicing this week on Arizona State's campus in preparation for a game with the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday. Daniels spent his first three college seasons with the Sun Devils, grinding through up-and-down moments before eventually transferring to LSU. His time in the desert was far from perfect, but he wouldn't trade it.
“It was a start for me,” Daniels said. “It started all of this and built a foundation. The people that recruited me here, I can't thank them enough for what they've done for me and my football career .
.. still cherish it to this day.
” Daniels has flourished since his time at Arizona State, first at LSU and now with the Commanders. He looked like a budding NFL star after completing 21 of 23 passes for 254 yards and two touchdowns in a 38-33 win at Cincinnati on Monday night. Daniels also ran for 39 yards and a touchdown in his third NFL game.
Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray — who knows quite a bit about being a dual-threat quarterback — was watching at home. He was impressed, just like everyone else. “He did his thing,” Murray said.
Daniels had a breakout freshman season at Arizona State in 2019 under Herm.