’25 Corner figures to find a home at LB and maybe WR
Michael McDaniel, at one time, was thought to be the potential heir apparent at QB after the graduation of Adrian Stringer and his matriculation to the college game. Isaac Earl’s play and the arrival and development of Silas Gunn appears to have locked up that position. McDaniel has developed into a top-flight second or third level defender who looks to lead the defense over the course of his upcoming senior year. This 6’1,” 195-pound athlete who plays varsity basketball (3rd, rebounding) in addition to football, has the frame and length school’s covet. Look for him to show up on some recruiting boards as we progress through the summer.
HB Lyon, Scouting Director, KPGFootball
We have been highlighting versatility in our offseason coverage this year. Michael McDaniel is a good example of the type of athleticism we are attempting to highlight.
McDaniel is a ’25 guy who is headed into his senior season. We thought at one time he would challenge for first-team reps at QB.
It appears ’26’s Isaac Earl has solidified that slot. Silas Gunn has proven a talented and capable backup who will challenge Earl for first team snaps.
McDaniel is 6′ 1,” and weighs 195-pounds. He has trained, off season, with Elite 3 out of Nashville and we encourage him to continue with that training. We are fans of what they provide and how they help kids develop skill sets.
McDaniel has flourished in his role as a Corner/LBer hybrid. He certainly has the frame for it.
McDaniel played in nine of the 10 games and contributed 10-tackles and forced a fumble
KHSAA Statistical Website
In ’23, McDaniel played in nine of the 10 games and contributed 10-tackles and forced a fumble. He was among the team leaders in PBUs.
McDaniel will have to assume a larger role on the ’24 defense than what he subsumed in ’23. The Storm’s top four defenders in ’23; Reece Belt, Harlee Egbert, Konner Harrison, and James Posey have exhausted their singular and collective eligibilities.
This doesn’t seem a hill for a climber like McDaniel. What kind of “baller” would he be if little things like this were able to stop him?
McDaniel told Next College Student Athlete, “I am the athlete who will push myself to the limit and then keep pushing. I use criticism to drive me toward the finish line.”
McDaniel continued to NCSA. “When I am told I can’t, I push to show everyone I can. I always find a way to succeed, a way forward.”
I am the athlete who will push myself to the limit and then keep pushing
Michael McDaniel, ’25, Hopkins Central
McDaniel concluded with, “I will not be defeated. I will never quit.”
These are fine attributes to have particularly in a kid looking to take his talents to the next level. We were able to discuss this player with his head football coach, Chris Manning.
Manning told KPGFootball the following: “McDaniel has demonstrated a thorough and talent athletic skill set in football and the other sports in which he participates. We believe he will be a leader for our defense over the course of his senior season (’24). We are looking forward to seeing how far he can take us.”
McDaniel has demonstrated a thorough and talent athletic skill set in football and…other sports
Chris Manning, HFC, Hopkins Central Storm
McDaniel will be a story worth monitoring as we head into a critical offseason for him. We are entering camp/combine season and schools will be scouring the area looking for athletes who can help advance their programs.
We believe we have one for them right here. Step right up, folks, come on in…
This is Friday Night Fletch, reporting for KPGFootball, reminding you to PLAY THROUGH THE WHISTLE!
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