Mike Denbrock praises Jayden Daniels for his remarkable development and impressive performance during his first season.

When a new quarterback enters a program with as much history and prestige as LSU, there is an inherent expectation that they will meet the challenge and elevate the team to new heights. The expectations were high for Jayden Daniels when he transferred to LSU for the 2022 season, coming from Arizona State where he showed flashes of brilliance but had yet to consistently reach his full potential. But in his first year at LSU, Daniels not only met those expectations, he exceeded them, leading the Tigers to significant victories and becoming a key player in their resurgence under head coach Brian Kelly.

Among those who took notice of Daniels’ growth and success was Mike Denbrock, the former LSU offensive coordinator. Denbrock, who had played an integral role in shaping LSU’s offensive scheme during the 2022 season, has been vocal about Daniels’ impressive development. Denbrock’s praise for Daniels has been high, emphasizing not only the quarterback’s athleticism and playmaking ability but also his leadership and maturity throughout the season. As someone who spent significant time working closely with Daniels, Denbrock’s insights into the quarterback’s growth provide a unique and invaluable perspective on the young signal-caller’s journey.

Jayden Daniels’ Transition to LSU

Jayden Daniels’ journey to LSU was not without its fair share of challenges. After three seasons at Arizona State, Daniels made the decision to transfer to LSU, where he hoped to reignite his career under new head coach Brian Kelly. At Arizona State, Daniels had shown flashes of brilliance with his ability to run and throw the football, but inconsistency plagued his development. He had difficulty finishing games and struggled with some of the finer points of being a college quarterback, including decision-making and accuracy.

Daniels’ decision to join LSU was part of a bigger picture for the Tigers. LSU had a new head coach in Brian Kelly, and the program was coming off a disappointing 2021 season, where they had failed to meet the expectations typically associated with LSU football. Kelly, known for his success at Notre Dame, needed a quarterback who could lead the team back to prominence in the fiercely competitive SEC. Daniels, with his dual-threat abilities and strong arm, appeared to be the answer to LSU’s quarterback dilemma.

When Daniels arrived in Baton Rouge, expectations were high. He was immediately thrust into a high-pressure environment where he needed to not only learn a new system but also compete in one of the most demanding conferences in college football. The pressure was immense, but Daniels quickly showed that he was up for the challenge.

The Role of Mike Denbrock in Daniels’ Development

Mike Denbrock, who was hired as LSU’s offensive coordinator in 2022, played a crucial role in Daniels’ development. Denbrock, who had previously worked as an offensive coordinator at Cincinnati, brought with him a wealth of experience and a clear vision for how LSU’s offense should operate. One of his first tasks was to integrate Daniels into the offensive system while also ensuring that the quarterback’s natural talents could shine through.

Denbrock recognized that Daniels’ dual-threat abilities were his greatest strength. His ability to extend plays with his legs and make dynamic throws on the run was something that LSU could use to their advantage, particularly in the fast-paced and unpredictable nature of the SEC. However, Denbrock also understood that for Daniels to become a truly elite quarterback, he needed to improve in other areas, such as his decision-making and consistency in the passing game.

In his first season, Denbrock worked with Daniels to fine-tune his mechanics, improve his footwork, and become more efficient in his decision-making. While Daniels had always been known for his ability to make plays with his legs, Denbrock encouraged him to develop his pocket presence and become more comfortable as a passer. The emphasis on decision-making and poise under pressure was critical for Daniels’ growth.

“Jayden is an incredibly gifted athlete, but we needed to make sure he understood the mental side of playing quarterback at this level,” Denbrock said after the season. “His ability to recognize coverages, make quick decisions, and trust the process was something we worked on from day one. As he gained more experience, you could see him settle in and really take control of the offense.”

Daniels’ Performance in 2022

Jayden Daniels’ performance in 2022 was nothing short of outstanding. He threw for over 2,800 yards, completing 68% of his passes, and added 16 touchdowns through the air. But it wasn’t just his passing that made Daniels so valuable to the Tigers—his ability to run the ball added another dimension to LSU’s offense. Daniels rushed for over 800 yards and 11 touchdowns, showcasing his dynamic playmaking ability as a dual-threat quarterback.

One of the most impressive aspects of Daniels’ play was his ability to make key plays in crucial moments. In games against top-tier SEC competition, such as Alabama and Ole Miss, Daniels displayed his poise under pressure, leading the Tigers to significant victories. His performance against Alabama was particularly noteworthy, as Daniels’ ability to manage the game and make clutch throws in critical situations helped LSU pull off a massive upset against one of the most dominant programs in college football.

Daniels’ ability to remain calm in the face of adversity was another standout trait that impressed both Denbrock and Kelly. The SEC is known for its high stakes and high-pressure environments, and Daniels thrived in that atmosphere. Whether it was late-game heroics or clutch performances in the red zone, Daniels demonstrated that he could handle the immense pressure of being LSU’s starting quarterback.

Denbrock’s Praise for Daniels

Mike Denbrock has been among the most vocal advocates for Daniels and his development throughout the season. Denbrock has consistently praised Daniels for his work ethic, leadership, and growth as a player.

“I can’t speak highly enough of Jayden’s work ethic,” Denbrock said in an interview following the season. “He was always in the film room, always asking questions, always looking to improve. His desire to get better was evident every single day. He’s the type of quarterback who constantly pushes himself, and that’s what you want in a leader.”

Denbrock also highlighted Daniels’ ability to bounce back from adversity. In college football, it’s rare for a quarterback to go through an entire season without facing some form of struggle or setback, but Daniels managed to maintain his focus even when things didn’t go as planned.

“There were times when things didn’t go well, and he could have easily let it affect him, but Jayden stayed composed,” Denbrock explained. “He always took accountability for his mistakes and used them as learning experiences. That’s a sign of maturity, and it’s why he was able to perform at such a high level.”

Perhaps the most important aspect of Daniels’ play, according to Denbrock, was his ability to adapt and grow within the LSU system. The transition from Arizona State to LSU was a significant one, and Daniels was able to learn quickly and excel in a new system with high expectations. His growth as a passer and leader was a testament to his adaptability and his ability to thrive under pressure.

Looking Ahead: The Future for Daniels and LSU

As Daniels enters his second season at LSU, the expectations are even higher. With a full year of experience in the SEC under his belt, Daniels has the opportunity to build on his successes and become one of the top quarterbacks in college football. Denbrock believes that Daniels is only scratching the surface of his potential and expects even greater things from the quarterback in the coming years.

“The sky’s the limit for Jayden,” Denbrock said. “He’s just getting started. He has all the tools to be one of the best quarterbacks in the country, and with the experience he gained in his first year, I expect him to take his game to the next level.”

The development of Daniels is also key to LSU’s long-term success under Brian Kelly. The Tigers have one of the most talented rosters in the country, and with Daniels at the helm, they are poised to make a serious run at national championships in the coming years. With the leadership of Kelly and the guidance of Denbrock, LSU’s offense has the potential to be one of the most dynamic and dangerous units in college football.