Interview: 3-Star 2021 Mississippi Standout MJ Daniels is a Next Level Receiver or Corner
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
One cannot blame college coaches for getting excited about the play of MJ Daniels on the gridiron. Gifted with size, speed, and amazing athleticism, Daniels is a natural receiver and a rarity at corner leaving a world of possibilities as a next level impact player. Right now, all that potential is a Friday night regular occurrence in the fall for George County High School.
With someone like Daniels on the roster, however the coaches can get the ball into his hands so he can take over is a best option. With that in mind, George County head coach Matt Caldwell gave the green light to Daniels playing all over the offense in 2018 and ’19. During Daniels sophomore season, he carried the ball 39 times for 125 yards and pulled in five passes for 67 yards with a score. He may have done more had he not also completed 39 passes for 337 yards with two touchdowns tossed. That do-all approach was showcased again this season seeing Daniels throw for 626 yards on 41 completions with five scores. He also carried the ball 44 times for 151 yards and took in 16 passes for 298 yards with four more trips into the end zone.
Where Daniels becomes that truly unique talent is on defense. There are very few 6-3, 185-pound, corners who can move like Daniels. He was tested a year ago coming up with 29 stops, 25 solo, with two tackles for a loss, a fumble recovery and three picks. In 12 games during the 2019 campaign, he tallied 30 tackles, 24 solo with four pass breakups, six interceptions, and took three of them back to the house. With his contributions, the Rebels improved from 4-8 to 7-5 in 2019 and he earned Athlete of the Year in his conference. The other big piece of news that came at the end of the season, a verbal commitment to Ole Miss.
To talk about it all, Daniels and I sat down for a fun one-on-one.
Interview
MJ, you picked off three passes during your sophomore season and still the quarterbacks on the schedule did not learn. You got six in 2019 and took three back. What was working for you as a corner allowing for all the big plays?
“I had a bad couple of games before those games, they came at me. I studied a lot of film to prepare, those plays changed the games.”
Which coverages were you guys running this season?
“We have some good guys on the team, I played man and they played a zone.”
What’s your favorite coverages to run overall?
“I like to disguise my coverage. I like to press and get my hands on him.”
Your versatility as an athlete was further displayed as a triple-threat on offense. What roles did you fill on the Rebels offense in 2019?
“I started off at receiver, then I moved to quarterback, and I kind of was a running back I guess you could say.”
How did your game grow as a receiver this season?
“It got better throughout the season, catching balls over guys and making big plays in big games.”
Of all the positions played, which is your favorite?
“I love playing receiver. Everyone wants me at corner, but I feel like I am better at receiver.”
There were a lot of big plays turned in by you this year, in which game did you put it all together for a top performance?
“My best all-around game was against Oak Grove. They were No. 2 in state going into the game. I made plays for us to win (24-20).”
What were some of the plays you made to help get the win?
“In the first half, I had a pick six. In the second half, I got another pick after halftime. I also had a couple of catches and I locked down their best receiver.”
In November you committed to Ole Miss. What made the Rebels an ideal fit for you?
“It is close to home and I like it at Ole Miss. I might get to play two sports there.”
Which other sport are you hoping to play at the collegiate level?
“Baseball.”
Which positions do you play?
“Centerfield and pitcher; I would be a pitcher for Ole Miss.”
Tell me about the kind of pitcher you are on the mound.
“I have a good fastball. I am an athletic pitcher.”
Nice. When will you visit Oxford again?
“I am trying to go up there in the next couple of weeks for a basketball game and to talk to the new head coach.”
Are you recruiting others to join you in Oxford, if so, what is your pitch?
“Like Lane Kiffin (head coach) said in an interview, if you want to be a great player and be drafted come to Ole Miss.”
Even though you are committed to the Rebels, are there other schools still showing interest?
“Yes. Auburn, Alabama, and LSU are showing interest.”
It may be too early to know, but during your senior season will you fill on the same roles or will your positions change?
“As of right now, I don’t know. We have a lot of young guys coming up. Hopefully I’ll be at receiver and corner, but if they need me at quarterback again this season, I will do it.”
What is the goal with your offseason workouts?
“To get faster and stronger.”
MJ, it was fun covering all this ground with you today. I appreciate your time and wish you success this offseason with your workouts.
“Thank you.”
Photo credits: George County HS/Daniels family; MJ Daniels in action (2019)