Elijah Daniel Makes The Call
(Zach Perry, Intersport)
Another day, another domino. On Sunday, it was Elijah Daniel (Avon, Ind.) who played the part of a red and blue domino, becoming the Rebels’ 23rd commitment, and the fourth in the last nine days.
One of the best defensive end prospects in the nation, Daniel is rated as a four-star prospect by Rivals, ESPN, and Scout, and a five-star by 247. Not only is he one of the better end prospects in the country, he is revered as one of the better overall players in the country. Rivals has him listed as the No.121 overall player, ESPN at No.34, and 247 at No.27.
Daniel made his decision public when he landed in Indiana, returning from his official visit to Arizona State, whom he said finished second in his recruiting. He also showed strong interest in Florida and Mississippi State. Daniel originally committed to Clemson over the summer before a falling out over official visits, he compiled an extensive offer sheet that includes the likes of Florida State, Georgia, Miami (Fl), Ohio State, and Oklahoma.
An Under Armor All-American, Daniel figures to play a big role in his first season with the Rebels. Dave Wommack likes to use a deep rotation on his defensive line and he has some holes to fill at the ends after the loss of seniors EJ Epperson and Jason Jones. While he is the first defensive end commit for the 2013 class, he will almost certainly not be the last. Robert Nkemdiche, the top player in the country, is an overwhelmingly strong Ole Miss lean. The Rebels are also thickly in the mix for Jason Carr who will visit this weekend, and are longshots at flipping Chris Jones from Mississippi State or Carl Lawson from Auburn.
At 6’3, 250 Lbs. he has an impressive frame with room to add more weight. His quick first step off the line make him more than capable of disrupting a backfield in a hurry. As of today, he is a very good college prospect, but with some time in Paul Jackson’s workout program, he could wind up being an elite defensive end in the Southeastern Conference.
Hugh Freeze & Co. have to be extremely pleased to hear from Daniel as the momentum is building as the big recruiting weekend looms. Laremy Tunsil, Robert Nkemdiche, and Antonio Conner are a few of the names on the laundry list of elite prospects coming to Oxford this weekend. While some may argue over who was the first domino, Kailo Moore or Laquon Treadwell, one thing is for sure, the dominos are in motion.