Mike Denbrock, the former head coach of LSU, highlights Jayden Daniels’ development and outstanding play in his laudatory first season.

In the world of college football, the development of quarterbacks can often define a program’s future. In 2022, Jayden Daniels transferred to LSU as a highly touted quarterback, bringing with him immense promise but also the weight of expectations. Transitioning from Arizona State, where he had displayed flashes of brilliance, Daniels was expected to lead the Tigers’ offense under a new regime, led by head coach Brian Kelly. As the 2022 season unfolded, Daniels proved to be not just a capable leader but an exceptional playmaker, earning rave reviews from coaches, analysts, and fans alike. Among those praising Daniels’ development was Mike Denbrock, the former LSU offensive coordinator, who played a significant role in shaping the early stages of Daniels’ college career.

Denbrock, who had previously been the offensive coordinator for LSU in the 2022 season, played an instrumental role in helping Daniels adjust to the system and elevate his game. After spending a season with the Tigers, Denbrock moved on to become the head coach at Cincinnati, but his relationship with Daniels continued to be one of mutual respect and admiration. In the wake of Daniels’ impressive first year at LSU, Denbrock was quick to offer high praise for the quarterback’s performance, underscoring his remarkable development, leadership, and the growth he demonstrated throughout the season.

Jayden Daniels’ Journey to LSU

Before diving into Denbrock’s reaction, it’s important to understand the path that led Daniels to Baton Rouge. Jayden Daniels had an accomplished but somewhat uneven career at Arizona State. Coming out of high school as one of the top quarterbacks in the country, Daniels was known for his mobility, strong arm, and playmaking ability. However, his time at Arizona State was marked by inconsistency, especially as the team struggled to find its identity under a series of coaching changes.

In his three years at Arizona State, Daniels showed flashes of brilliance. He flashed a dynamic ability to extend plays with his legs, and his deep ball showed potential. However, there were issues with accuracy and decision-making, and the Sun Devils’ offense often failed to meet expectations. This inconsistency prompted Daniels to look for a fresh start, and he found it in LSU, which was undergoing a transition of its own under new head coach Brian Kelly.

The move to LSU was a significant one for Daniels, as the Tigers boasted one of the most storied programs in college football. With the departure of Max Johnson, Daniels arrived in Baton Rouge as the presumed starter, but there were questions about how quickly he could adapt to LSU’s system and whether he could unlock his full potential in an environment as competitive as the SEC.

Mike Denbrock’s Role in Daniels’ Development

Mike Denbrock was hired by Brian Kelly as LSU’s offensive coordinator in 2022, tasked with revamping an offense that had underperformed the previous season. With a quarterback like Daniels, Denbrock knew he had a player with immense potential but also one who needed some refinement in his game. Denbrock, known for his ability to develop quarterbacks and build a balanced offensive scheme, immediately began working with Daniels to improve his mechanics, decision-making, and consistency.

Denbrock was well aware of Daniels’ natural gifts, particularly his athleticism and ability to make plays outside the pocket. However, as a coach, Denbrock understood that for Daniels to succeed in the SEC and maximize his potential, he needed to become more efficient in the passing game, particularly with intermediate and short-range throws. Denbrock worked tirelessly with Daniels to improve his footwork, mechanics, and ability to read defenses. One of the key focuses of their work together was creating an offense that catered to Daniels’ strengths while also helping him improve in areas where he had struggled.

Denbrock’s approach was patient but assertive. He didn’t ask Daniels to abandon his natural playmaking ability but instead sought to help him become more consistent and precise with his throws. Denbrock also worked with LSU’s receiving corps to build chemistry with Daniels, knowing that the success of the passing game would rely on timing and rapport between quarterback and wideouts.

The results of Denbrock’s work with Daniels were clear throughout the 2022 season. Daniels displayed a much more refined skill set, showcasing improved decision-making, a better deep ball, and the ability to make quicker, more accurate throws in critical situations. While Daniels still relied on his ability to extend plays with his legs, his development as a passer made him a much more complete quarterback and a far more dangerous threat in LSU’s offense.

Denbrock’s Reaction to Daniels’ First Season at LSU

Mike Denbrock, now the head coach at Cincinnati, has remained a vocal supporter of Jayden Daniels and his development. Following Daniels’ outstanding performance in his first season at LSU, Denbrock couldn’t help but express his admiration for the quarterback’s growth.

“Jayden is a special talent,” Denbrock said in an interview shortly after Daniels’ breakout 2022 season. “He’s a guy who works relentlessly at his craft, and it was exciting to see his growth over the course of the season. He came to LSU with a lot of expectations, and he handled that pressure like a pro. His ability to stay calm and poised, even in the most intense moments, is something you can’t teach.”

Denbrock’s praise for Daniels was more than just about his athleticism or statistics; it was about the intangibles. Denbrock highlighted Daniels’ leadership, his ability to rally the team in tough moments, and his unwavering commitment to improvement. “I saw a young man who was driven to succeed and who was never satisfied with just being good. He wanted to be great, and that kind of mentality is contagious,” Denbrock noted.

Daniels’ development as a leader was especially important to Denbrock. While he had always been a talented player, the step up to LSU required Daniels to adjust not only to the level of competition but also to the responsibilities of being the leader of a high-profile program. Denbrock believed that Daniels embraced those responsibilities and took ownership of the offense, helping guide the team through critical moments in games. His leadership became one of his strongest assets by the end of the season.

“I think what’s most impressive about Jayden is his ability to lead by example,” Denbrock said. “He doesn’t have to yell or be overly vocal to inspire his teammates. When he steps on the field, the guys follow him. He plays with heart, and that’s what makes him so valuable to this team.”

Daniels’ Stellar Play: Key Achievements

Jayden Daniels’ first season at LSU was nothing short of spectacular. Statistically, Daniels showcased his dual-threat abilities by racking up impressive numbers both through the air and on the ground. He threw for over 2,800 yards and 16 touchdowns, while also rushing for over 800 yards and an additional 11 touchdowns. His ability to make plays with his legs helped LSU maintain a dangerous offensive attack, but it was his development as a passer that truly elevated the offense.

Daniels’ performance in key games was a testament to his growth. In LSU’s pivotal win against Alabama, Daniels’ poise and clutch playmaking ability led the Tigers to a thrilling victory. His ability to manage the game and deliver accurate throws under pressure was a key factor in LSU’s success in 2022. As the season progressed, Daniels became more comfortable in LSU’s offense, and the team’s offensive production reflected that.

One of the standout aspects of Daniels’ play was his decision-making. Unlike his early years at Arizona State, Daniels became much more selective with his throws, choosing when to take risks and when to play it safe. His improved understanding of defensive schemes and his ability to read coverage allowed him to make smarter, more efficient decisions in real-time. This was particularly evident in games where the team faced tough defenses, as Daniels remained poised and managed the game effectively.

The Future of Jayden Daniels at LSU

Looking forward, the future for Jayden Daniels at LSU is incredibly bright. With his first season in Baton Rouge behind him, Daniels will enter his second year with more confidence and a better understanding of the offense. Under the continued guidance of offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock (who has maintained a relationship with the program despite his departure), Daniels has the opportunity to take his game to the next level.

The offseason will be critical for Daniels as he works to further refine his mechanics and continue his development as a passer. With an increased emphasis on the passing game and further chemistry-building with LSU’s talented receiving corps, Daniels has the chance to become one of the top quarterbacks in the country.

For Denbrock, who has seen Daniels’ growth firsthand, the future looks promising for both the quarterback and the LSU program. “I have no doubt that Jayden will continue to grow and improve,” Denbrock said. “He has the tools to be one of the best, and I’m excited to see what he does in the years to come.”