Football’s Four to Flourish 2021-2022: Jayden Daniels

Arizona State’s 2020 football season fell short of fan’s expectations. The team dealt with a COVID-19 outbreak that cancelled all but four of their games in an already shortened season. The Sun Devils went 2-2, with the most notable 70-7 win against University of Arizona.

Bad luck — arguably what ASU football dealt with this past season. The team looks to junior quarterback Jayden Daniels to help turn that luck around for 2021.

Daniels threw for 701 yards and five touchdowns last season. He had a completion percentage of 58.3%. A .500 season does not fall solely on the quarterback, but Daniels has the capability to prove last season was just a series of unfortunate events.

At 185 pounds during the season, Daniels, the slimmer of the quarterback bunch, aimed to gain weight this off-season. Daniels has hit 200 pounds, according to 24/7 Sports, reaching his goal with time to spare.

Last season, Daniels proved that he has the ability to escape the pocket and create plays. He rushed for 223 yards and four touchdowns. Being a dual-threat quarterback is essential for Daniels if Arizona State wants to make a playoff run.

With the absence of alumni wide receiver Frank Darby, who was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons, Daniels will also have to utilize his other receivers to fill the void.