Kansas Football May Have Big Jalon Daniels Problem
By Joe Summers
Kansas QB Jalon Daniels is one of the most exciting players in college football and the driving force behind the largest expectations Jayhawks fans have had in years, but a recent ESPN feature by Adam Rittenberg raises questions about his long-term health.
Daniels played in only three games last season after being named the preseason Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year due to a sudden back issue that team officials have been hesitant to identify.
While Daniels has the 13th-best odds to win the coveted Heisman Trophy (+3000) at FanDuel Sportsbook, Rittenberg's piece should sound the alarm for the Kansas faithful.
QB Jalon Daniels' Lingering Back Injury Still an Issue
Jalon Daniels is leaving the hyperbole to others. He just wants to play a full season at Kansas.
— Adam Rittenberg (@ESPNRittenberg) July 9, 2024
My story on why there's a hold-your-breath feeling around one of CFB's most breathtaking players.
"I didn't come to college not to play college football."https://t.co/KIOzrpirKA
Preseason betting markets and general excitement in fans suggest Daniels' back issues are behind him, but Rittenberg paints a different story. I expected Daniels to be relatively healthy, though now I have concerns.
Rittenberg writes, "The key this summer is to gradually increase Daniels' volume of throws. The plan includes no 'acute spikes' in workload, (strength and conditioning coach Matt) Gildersleeve said, to minimize the risk of reinjury.
Those around Daniels don't expect he will have any physical limitations if he's cleared to play. The mental challenge, meanwhile, will linger until Daniels gets back to the game field -- and stays there."
The "if he's cleared to play" part is the kicker. "I expect him to play," said head coach Lance Leipold. "Does that mean he's going to play all 12? My plan is that he does."
That's hardly a ringing endorsement for Daniels' health, which could torpedo Kansas' season before it even gets off the ground. The Jayhawks stayed afloat last season thanks to experienced QB Jason Bean, but he's gone now. Cole Ballard is the new backup and struggled to produce in limited snaps, completing only 55.6% of his passes with one TD to three interceptions.
Daniels, meanwhile, completed a marvelous 74.7% of his passes at 9.4 yards per attempt with five TDs to just one pick in his three games. With Daniels, Kansas is a legitimate contender to make the College Football Playoff. Without him, the outlook is bleak.
Perhaps the only thing that could stop the Jayhawks' hype train is Daniels' back. On top of the reinjury risk, a potential aversion to contact could strip Daniels of his sublime rushing ability. He ran for 425 yards and seven TDs in 2022. What happens if that goes away?
This might be much ado about nothing but I'm highly concerned nonetheless.
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