Send my password Sign up now - Play College or Pro Pick 'Em!
Athlon SportsVideo, Audio and Mobile Options
It’s the most prestigious individual award in all of sports, and this year, there’s no shortage of candidates. Missouri quarterback Chase Daniel is next up in Athlon's 2007 Heisman Watch, which will be released in no particular order.

The former EA Sports High School Player of the Year didn’t flinch last season when faced with the unenviable task of replacing Missouri legend and record-setting quarterback Brad Smith. He immediately helped fans forget about Smith by setting records of his own, winning his first six collegiate starts and leading the Tigers to an 8–4 regular season before bowing to Oregon State, 39–38, in the Sun Bowl.

Athlon's 2007 Heisman Watch

The Southlake, Texas, native earned second-team All-Big 12 honors from the league coaches in 2006. He is poised to build on that success this season. He started all 13 games, completed 63.5 percent of his passes for 3,527 yards and 28 touchdowns and threw just 10 picks all season. Only twice was Daniel held to less than 200 yards passing while he topped the 300-yard plateau four times, once in his first career start against Division I-AA Murray State, and the final three games of the season. In those last three contests he threw for 996 yards, seven touchdowns and no interceptions.

Off the field, the athletic Daniel was a member of his sprint relay track team in high school, and was a decorated pitcher/outfielder in baseball.

Missouri Team Preview

Missouri fans are optimistic heading into 2007, expecting the Tigers to contend for the Big 12 North title. With nine starters returning on offense — four along the offensive line — including two of the best tight ends in the land, the stage is set for a big season from Daniel.

Why he’ll be holding the hardware: If Missouri outlasts Nebraska for the Big 12 North title, Daniel will have the opportunity to impress voters in the Big 12 Championship Game. He’ll need that stage to fuel his campaign.

Why he’ll be left out: Daniel can be placed in a category with a few other preseason Heisman hopeful quarterbacks that are brilliant individual performers but will lack the team results and TV exposure to mount a significant charge at the Trophy. It will take a monster season both from Daniel and the Tigers to bring the hardware to Columbia.

Final analysis: Despite the above, Daniel does have the ability and the weapons around him to post the big numbers. If Missouri hovers around the Top 25 all season, a top 10 finish in the voting could result. He’ll likely have to wait until his senior season to mount a significant charge, however.
 
2006 Stat Line



CMP ATT YDS TD INT RAT RUSH YDS TD LNG
287 452 3,527 28 10 145.1 147 379 4 25



Spartancenter
(November 27, 2007 - 2:04pm)

Chase daniel threw for 361 on 40 of 49 passing....who else is a better all around player other than colt brennan...maybe tebow will have next year but 3 losses doesn't impress the gator hopefulls and white will show his true colors in the nat'l championship game......just watch!

MizzouPower44
(August 7, 2007 - 3:36pm)

Chase Is the best all-round QB in nation!!!

osu9184
(July 19, 2007 - 6:50pm)

Chase Daniels has no way of winning the heisman because he doesnt have enough talent around him. Big Daddy

You must have an account to post comments. Go ahead and register now. It's completely free and takes 5 seconds.


*
- Jazz bouncing back after rough start
After a rough start to the 2009-10 campaign, the Utah Jazz (6-6) is riding its first two-g... more

- CFB Fantasy: Week 12 WR Ranks
Need some help setting your lineup this week? Check out our Week 12 receiver rankings to h... more

- CFB Fantasy: Week 12 RB Ranks
Running back questions? Check out our Week 12 rankings to help set your lineup.... more

- CFB Fantasy: Start Or Sit
Each weekend of college football affords fantasy owners with difficult lineup decisions. A... more

- 2009 CFB Weekend On Tap: Week 12
Mitch Light predicts the outcome of 10 of the week's biggest games in the Week 12 edition ... more