What led Jalon Daniels to Kansas? The former high school magician was an under-the-radar gem

If you’re between the ages of 15 and 30, you probably don’t think of the Kansas Jayhawks as a football powerhouse. In fact, you might think of them as one of the worst teams in the FBS. From 1996 to 2022, the Jayhawks have only three winning seasons.

Things began to change, however, when Jalon Daniels arrived in Lawrence, Kansas in 2020. Now, the Jayhawks are not only in the rankings, but have a legitimate shot at the Big 12 title.

Where did Jalon Daniels play in high school and how did he end up in Kansas?

Jalon Daniels: A High School Magician

Coming out of Lawndale High School in Southern California, Daniels wasn’t the highest-drafted quarterback, but he was undoubtedly an effective player. A multi-year starter, he impressed as a sophomore, using primarily his legs as a run-first quarterback with a decent arm.

Before his junior season, Daniels experienced a growth spurt, gaining both height and weight, transforming him into a true dual-threat quarterback. That year, he led Lawndale to a 14-2 record, throwing for 2,351 yards and rushing for 940 yards with 36 total touchdowns.

His improved passing skills created more opportunities to run, leading him to be seen more as a player focused primarily on running, rather than a player more balanced in attack.

Despite his success, Daniels remained under the radar. Entering his senior year, he had only a handful of FCS and Group of Five offers. He initially committed to Middle Tennessee State in October, which was his highest-profile offer at the time.

While no detailed stats are available for his final season, his Hudl tape shows his talent. He repeatedly showed elusive moves and evaded defenses with ease. However, big offers failed to materialize, except for one.

Towards the end of Daniels’ senior season, Kansas made him an offer, prompting the three-star prospect to decommit from MTSU and join the Jayhawks just before the early signing period.

A superstar in Kansas…with some injury problems

Daniels didn’t have the typical true freshman experience for a three-star recruit with just one offer. Instead, he started in six of Kansas’ nine games during the COVID-19-shortened season, threw for 716 yards and led the team in rushing attempts.

Daniels made great strides between his freshman and sophomore years at Kansas. Although he played less in his sophomore year, he showed marked improvement, starting only the final three games of the season and coming off the bench in six others. From Year 1 to Year 2, he increased his completion percentage by 19.2 points, making him a much more efficient passer while running less.

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As a junior in 2022, Daniels struggled with injuries but still threw for over 2,000 yards and 18 touchdowns, while adding 425 yards and seven scores on the ground. Had he stayed healthy the entire season, the Jayhawks might have secured their first winning season since 2007, but they fell just short.

Daniels was named the Big 12 Preseason Offensive Player of the Year in 2023, but was injured just three promising games into the season. Now healthy again, he’s ready to lead Kansas to new heights in 2024. With the COVID-19 year and a redshirt season in 2023, Daniels could still have multiple years of eligibility remaining.

Daniels is now looking toward 2024. The Jayhawks are already a top 25 prospect and have high expectations, thanks to a quarterback that no other Power Four team could offer.

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