LSU Transfer CJ Daniels is Leading the Young Miami Receivers Despite Not Practicing

LSU Transfer CJ Daniels is Leading the Young Miami Receivers Despite Not Practicing

In the ever-competitive world of college football, success doesn’t always follow a traditional trajectory. Often, the path to stardom isn’t just about what happens on the field during game time, but also about how athletes influence and inspire their teammates behind the scenes. This has been the case for CJ Daniels, a standout wide receiver transfer from LSU, who despite not being on the practice field with his new team, has quickly emerged as a vocal and influential leader for the young receiving corps at the University of Miami.

While Daniels, who transferred to Miami after spending time with LSU, has not been able to participate in the physical aspects of spring practices due to injury, his leadership has had a profound impact on the development of Miami’s wide receivers, many of whom are still in the early stages of their collegiate careers. His ability to lead from the sidelines and offer mentorship has been invaluable as Miami looks to make strides in the 2025 season.

This article will explore how CJ Daniels has become a leader for the Hurricanes’ young receiving group, despite not being able to practice, and the unique ways in which his experience, work ethic, and leadership qualities are influencing the team. We’ll also dive into his background, how he’s become an essential figure for Miami’s offense, and how the wide receivers are responding to his presence.

CJ Daniels: The Background

Before we explore how Daniels has impacted Miami’s receiving corps, it’s important to understand his background and how he arrived at the University of Miami. Daniels is a Louisiana native who spent his early college career at Louisiana State University (LSU), where he was a highly regarded recruit out of high school. At LSU, Daniels played under head coach Brian Kelly, participating in a competitive and high-level program. Although his time at LSU was somewhat short-lived, Daniels made a name for himself with his physicality, route-running skills, and ability to make big plays when the team needed them most.

At LSU, Daniels saw limited action early in his career but was always a name to watch, thanks to his athleticism, speed, and playmaking ability. Standing at 6’2” and weighing just over 200 pounds, Daniels has the perfect combination of size and speed that allows him to stretch the field while being a reliable target for quarterbacks. His combination of physical traits, along with his potential, attracted attention from several programs when he entered the transfer portal.

Miami, under head coach Mario Cristobal, recognized Daniels’ potential immediately and made him one of their top transfer targets. His experience playing in the SEC, widely considered the toughest conference in college football, brought a level of maturity and perspective to a Miami receiving corps that was both talented but also relatively inexperienced. Even before Daniels physically joined the team on the field, his leadership and mental preparation began to take shape as a major influence on his new teammates.

Leadership from the Sidelines

Although Daniels has been sidelined for most of the spring practices due to injury, his leadership has not diminished. In fact, his role as a mentor has become one of the defining factors of Miami’s receiving group. While he may not be running routes or participating in drills, Daniels has quickly established himself as a vocal presence during practices, providing encouragement, tips, and advice to the younger players around him.

CJ Daniels’ leadership style is one of support and guidance. Rather than stepping in as a self-promoted leader, he’s earned his role through consistent effort, experience, and genuine care for his teammates. His approach to leadership involves teaching rather than dictating, allowing his younger peers to learn from his experiences without feeling overwhelmed or pressured.

Key moments in Daniels’ leadership have included taking younger receivers aside during drills, explaining the nuances of specific routes, and offering advice on how to handle the mental and emotional challenges of college football. His willingness to help others, despite not being able to practice himself, has resonated strongly with the Miami wide receivers.

One of the most notable aspects of Daniels’ leadership has been his attention to the mental side of the game. College football can be mentally taxing, especially for young players who are adjusting to a higher level of competition. Daniels has made it a point to help these players understand the mental preparation required for success. He often discusses how to stay mentally tough during tough moments in games and practices, how to maintain focus throughout a long season, and how to handle the inevitable setbacks that come with playing at a high level.

According to **Miami wide receiver coach Josh Gattis, Daniels’ ability to lead despite his absence on the field has been remarkable. “CJ has an incredibly mature mindset. He’s someone who doesn’t just focus on himself but is constantly thinking about the success of the team. His ability to lead from the sidelines has made a huge difference in this program already.”

A Young Receiver Corps in Need of Guidance

Miami’s receiving corps for the 2025 season is relatively young. While there is talent, including rising stars like Jacolby George, Ray Ray Joseph, and Colbie Young, many of the team’s receivers are still in the early stages of their development. These players possess raw talent, but they lack the experience of navigating the challenges that come with competing at the highest level of college football.

For Miami, the combination of young receivers and a relatively unproven quarterback situation made it clear that strong leadership was needed. Daniels, despite not being able to practice, has provided exactly what was necessary: a steadying influence.

Daniels’ experience at LSU, where he faced some of the best cornerbacks and defensive schemes in the nation, provides invaluable insight that younger players can’t get from a textbook or practice alone. He understands the nuances of reading defenses, the importance of timing with quarterbacks, and the mental toughness required to succeed in the SEC—insights he has readily shared with his teammates.

Moreover, Daniels has also been instrumental in helping young players adapt to the competitive nature of college football. “When I got here, I was kind of thrown into the mix, and it was hard to adjust,” said Ray Ray Joseph, one of Miami’s promising young wide receivers. “CJ has been there for us, showing us what it means to work hard every day, keep a positive mindset, and always be ready. Even when he’s not physically practicing, you can tell how much he cares about our growth.”

Helping to Develop the Miami Offense

Although Daniels is sidelined from actual football activities, he has been a driving force behind the development of Miami’s offense this spring. The ability to mentor and share knowledge with younger receivers, particularly in terms of route running, football IQ, and adjusting to different coverage looks, has helped to accelerate the overall development of Miami’s offensive unit.

The Hurricanes’ offense in 2025 is expected to be high-paced, dynamic, and unpredictable, relying heavily on the ability of its wide receivers to stretch the field and create mismatches with opposing defenses. Having someone like Daniels—who’s been through intense competition in the SEC—help mold the next wave of playmakers is invaluable for offensive coordinator Josh Gattis.

Daniels has spent countless hours breaking down film with Miami’s young receivers, discussing everything from cover-2 defenses to man-to-man matchups. His understanding of different defensive schemes, combined with his ability to break down film and communicate complex concepts, has been crucial in teaching his teammates how to read defenses and adjust their routes accordingly. Even as a spectator during practices, Daniels has continued to provide tips and feedback to help the receivers get better, especially in one-on-one drills and group sessions.

“CJ brings a wealth of knowledge, and it’s not just about physical talent,” said Colbie Young, one of Miami’s most talented young wideouts. “He’s helped me understand the mental part of the game more than anything. His tips on how to handle pressure, how to make adjustments on the fly—it’s all been huge for me.”

Preparing for the 2025 Season

Although Daniels’ presence on the practice field has been limited due to injury, he is expected to be a key player for Miami when the 2025 season kicks off. His natural ability to perform as a playmaker is undeniable, and his leadership off the field has made him even more integral to the team’s success.

The Miami Hurricanes have a lot to look forward to as they head into the new season. The combination of a young and talented receiving corps, the guidance of experienced players like Daniels, and the leadership of head coach Mario Cristobal has the potential to produce a dynamic offensive unit capable of competing in the ACC.

CJ Daniels, despite being sidelined for most of the spring, has proven that leadership is about more than just physical participation—it’s about showing up for your teammates, helping them grow, and setting an example for them to follow. His influence on Miami’s young wide receivers will be felt for years to come as they work toward greatness in the 2025 season and beyond.

As the team prepares for the upcoming season, Miami fans can be excited about what’s to come—thanks in no small part to CJ Daniels’ ability to lead, inspire, and mentor the next generation of wide receivers.