After being important players in their universities, the rookies must once again earn their places in the pros. Who are they and what hopes do they arouse? Today, Jayden Daniels, rookie quarterback of the Washington Commanders.
Jayden Daniels
Born December 18, 2000 in San Bernardino, California
1m93 for 95 kilos
Quarterback, Washington Commanders
The Labour Party
If Jayden Daniels was voted the best college player in 2023, he owes it above all to his work. Present every day from 5:30 a.m., the employees of the LSU training center had rarely seen more assiduous than him. The player confirms this to the official website of his NFL franchise.
“At that time, there were no outside distractions in the building, so I was really focused on studying my games and what I needed to fix.”
But before arriving at LSU in 2022, he first played at Arizona State University. In 2019, he won the vote for best starting quarterback at the college level. With Arizona State, Jayden Daniels threw 17 touchdowns and only 2 interceptions! Unfortunately, the following season was cut short by covid-19.
In 2021, the Sun Devils were without receiver Brandon Aiyuk (49ers) who had left for the NFL. The attack was then much more ground-based than air-based: 37 carries for 24 passes on average per game. Runner Rachaad White (Tampa Bay) was then the leader of the attack.
He decided for the following year to join a party with a program more favorable to his qualities as a pitcher.
The Progressive Party
Rookie candidate Jayden Daniels is campaigning with a slogan: work more but above all work better! During the 2023 season, LSU is acquiring a latest-generation simulator. Founded in Germany, the company Cognilize provides virtual reality programs and glasses for sports.
Coaches and players who have tried this new tool describe a stunning realism. This simulator was already at the graphic level. LSU coaches have allowed to add to the simulation all types of coverage by the defense, as well as the different offensive systems of their playbook.
Jayden Daniels was able to test this new approach the week before a game against Mississippi State. Virtual reality headset for the player and tablet for Jack Marucci, head of the “Performance and Innovation” department at LSU. An article by The Athletic describes the work as follows:
“The computer guy selects a play and then gives Jayden Daniels the verbiage: Tree Right Hug Y Swift Iowa Cold Flash Z Stop. Of course, he doesn't tell the quarterback what type of defense he's selected to counter it. When the play starts, the quarterback then has less than two seconds to make his decision and make the play!”
Jayden Daniels was able to experience the entirety of the playbook planned for this game. On game day, he recorded over 360 yards on the field and two touchdowns in the air, with an impeccable 30 out of 34 passes completed!
So, every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday following the 2023 season, he was able to repeat the entire playbook planned against a given opponent. The simulator of course offered him the specific characteristics of the defense to be encountered.
“It's helped me a lot. After training, being able to go over the playbook again is valuable. Getting familiar with the opposition defence too,” he told Saturday Down South.
If this tool is just one more reason for his success, Jayden Daniels is having a fantastic season: 40 passing touchdowns for only 4 interceptions! With 1134 yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground, Jayden Daniels wins the title of best college player: the Heisman Trophy.
The Party of God
Jayden Daniels was born into a Christian family. He sometimes attended church on Sunday mornings, but his faith was more about tradition than belief. It was when he came to LSU that his background brought him closer to God.
“In Arizona, my family wasn't that far away. But when I got to Louisiana, I was really on my own.”
He also confides in Sport and Faith that it took a lot of pressure off him. Understanding that you can't control everything, doing your best and leaving it to fate. If the player changed at LSU, it's also because the man has matured.
Apparently, God's plan was for him to become the number one hope in the nation's capital.
The White House
Recognized on a regional level, he now wants to rule the entire country! If he does not prevent the defeat in his first match, he makes his mark there by scoring two touchdowns on the ground. In the second meeting, rookie Jayden Daniels wins his first victory in the NFL.
Against the New York Giants, he still can't find the end zone. But 79% of his passes find takers! He affirms in this match against a division rival, that he has the build for the position. Trailing in the score in the last quarter, his last two possessions allow his team to equalize and then definitively move ahead.
And the following week, he confirmed! Two touchdowns in the air and one on the run, for an away win against the Cincinnati Bengals. In an NFC East division where the favorites (Dallas and Philadelphia) do not seem to be at their best at the start of the season, Jayden Daniels and the Commanders may have a card to play.
But to carry out his mission, a president must be able to rely on a quality government. However, despite the experienced Terry McLaurin (WR) and Zach Ertz (TE), his aerial targets offer a rotation from the bottom of the table! He who was used to throwing towards Malik Nabers (Giants) and Brian Thomas (Jaguars), both selected in the 1st round of the last draft.
But because a leader must remain positive, Jayden Daniels knows he can count on a high-level running game. Brian Robinson is that type of strong runner capable of relieving him of some of the weight of the attack. Austin Ekeler is more explosive and brings in reception: the duo is both effective and complementary.
The offensive line is greatly improvable but the program plans to improve its entourage: next year the Commanders will have more than 100 million dollars available at the market, enough to recruit new quality ministers.
Jayden Daniels now sits next to the presidential palace: if he at least gives hope of a Super Bowl during his first term, he will then land a very lucrative second inauguration in four years.
