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