What brought Jalon Daniels to Kansas? The former high school magician was an unheralded gem

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

However, things started to change with the arrival of Jalon Daniels in Lawrence, Kansas, in 2020. Now the Jayhawks are not only ranked, but have a real 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 wizard in high school

Coming out of Lawndale High School in Southern California, Daniels wasn't the top-ranked quarterback, but he was undoubtedly an effective player. A longtime starter, he made a name for himself as a sophomore by using primarily his legs and a good arm as a run-first quarterback.

Before his junior season, Daniels went through a growth spurt that transformed him in size and weight, turning 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 and scoring 36 total touchdowns.

His improved passing ability gave him more running opportunities, which meant he was no longer perceived as a run-first player, but rather as a more balanced offensive weapon.

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

Although detailed stats aren't available for his final season, his Hudl tape shows his talent. He repeatedly showed evasive moves and dodged defenses with ease. However, big offers still didn't come in – except for one.

Towards the end of Daniels' final season, Kansas offered him an offer, and the promising three-star player decommitted from MTSU and joined the Jayhawks just before the 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 only one offer. Instead, he started six of Kansas' nine games during the COVID-19-shortened season, throwing for 716 yards and leading 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 significant improvement. He only started the final three games of the season and came off the bench in six others. From Year 1 to Year 2, he increased his pass completion percentage by 19.2 points and became a much more efficient passer despite running less.

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As a junior in 2022, Daniels battled injuries but still managed to throw for over 2,000 yards and 18 touchdowns, adding 425 yards and seven scores on the ground. Had he stayed healthy all season, the Jayhawks might have posted their first winning season since 2007, but they just missed it.

In 2023, Daniels was named Big 12 Preseason Offensive Player of the Year, 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 have several years of eligibility left.

For now, Daniels is focused on 2024. The Jayhawks, already ranked in the top 25, have high hopes thanks to a quarterback that none of the other Power Four teams could offer.

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