First-Year Profile: David Daniel
Georgia defensive back David Daniel (14) during the 2021 G-Day Game on Dooley Field at Sanford Stadium in Athens, Ga., on Saturday, April 17, 2021. (Photo by Rob Davis)
Over the next month, DogWatch will be looking at the Bulldogs’ incoming freshman in a new series called First Year Profile.
Today, we will look at former Woodstock High product David Daniel.
Ranking: No. 92-ranked overall prospect, No. 3 athlete and No. 10 player in Georgia, per the 247Sports Composite.
Height/Weight: 6-foot-2, 185 pounds
Background: Daniel was a four-star with a few other offers, but he committed to Georgia on Sept. 13, 2019. He sparked interests from Alabama, Auburn, Duke and Florida, among other schools. However, he chose the Bulldogs and completely shut down his recruitment. His recruitment was drama-free and he enrolled early at UGA on Jan. 10.
2021 Potential Impact: Daniel played strong safety and crossed over at wide receiver during his prep career at Woodstock, but the Georgia coaching staff lists him as an athlete. He is very cerebral and understands the game very well. So, that could land him on special teams because of his toughness and physicality. Nonetheless, Daniel will more than likely have to put on some weight before being plugged in the defensive backfield.
If he is to play on defense this upcoming season, it’s unlikely he will fit in at cornerback. He just doesn’t have the experience at the collegiate level and there are already enough bodies battling for those top two spots, respectively. Brandon Turnage is now with Tennessee, so Daniel could be plugged in at one of the safety positions. However, he will have to compete against redshirt freshman Dan Jackson, who emerged this spring. Veteran Bulldogs Chris Smith and Lewis Cine should be the two starting safeties, so look for Daniel to try and climb the depth chart this spring at that position.
Scouting Report: “Good frame with size and ability to carry 205 pounds. Athletic with plus balls skills down the field. Runs downhill well and fits run gaps smartly. Is physical in the running game. Willing tackler who wraps at the line of scrimmage. Has hip looseness to turn and run with receiver. Diagnoses play well and are instinctive. Smart player with a nose for the ball. Plays hard. Special teams impact potential as a kick blocker. Has to be more balanced in his backpedal to transition to driving on plays in front. Tendency to rock back. Has to get stronger in the upper body. Needs to prove he has top-end speed. Must work on being quicker with his change of direction.” - Brian Dohn of 247Sports
Highlights:
Check out the other First-Year Profiles: