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

In college football, transfers can play an important role in shaping the direction of a team, especially when it comes to filling gaps in critical positions like wide receiver. One of the more interesting stories coming out of Miami’s football program this offseason involves LSU transfer CJ Daniels, who, despite not having participated in practice with the team, is already taking on a leadership role among the Hurricanes’ young wide receivers. His impact on the team has been undeniable, and his presence has helped bring a sense of direction and confidence to Miami’s receiver room.

Daniels, who made the decision to transfer from LSU to Miami, has quickly become a standout player not only for his on-field talent but also for his leadership qualities. Despite not being able to fully integrate with the team during practice due to eligibility or injury-related reasons, Daniels’ influence has been felt both on and off the field. His leadership has been particularly valuable for a group of young wide receivers who are expected to play significant roles for Miami in the upcoming season.

CJ Daniels: A Brief Overview of His Career

Before we dive into his leadership role at Miami, it’s important to understand who CJ Daniels is and why his presence is so impactful. Daniels is a talented wide receiver who originally played for LSU, a program known for producing NFL-caliber talent at the wide receiver position. Daniels arrived at LSU with a lot of hype, showing promise as a dynamic player with exceptional speed and route-running ability. While his time at LSU was marked by strong flashes of potential, his move to Miami presented an opportunity to start fresh and take on a new challenge in a different program.

At LSU, Daniels showed glimpses of his athleticism, including strong showings in practice and during limited playing time. However, with a crowded depth chart and stiff competition in the Tigers’ receiving corps, Daniels never quite became a focal point of the offense. Still, his time at LSU gave him a solid foundation in one of the nation’s toughest football programs, and it was clear that he had the potential to succeed elsewhere.

When Daniels decided to transfer to Miami, many saw it as an opportunity for him to shine in a new environment. Miami, under head coach Mario Cristobal, was in the midst of rebuilding, particularly in the receiver room, where there was a need for experienced leadership. With a relatively young group of wide receivers, the Hurricanes were looking for someone who could step up and lead by example, even if it wasn’t necessarily on the field initially. That’s where Daniels came in, becoming a mentor and a role model for the younger players on the team.

The Young Miami Receivers: A Group in Need of Guidance

Miami’s wide receiver room, at the time Daniels arrived, was filled with a mix of raw talent and inexperience. While there were a few veterans who could hold their own, many of the players were relatively young and untested. Miami had some significant departures from the previous season, and the new recruits and transfers in the receiver room were expected to contribute early.

For any young group of players, especially at a position as demanding as wide receiver, leadership is key. Receivers need to develop chemistry with their quarterbacks, master complex route trees, and become comfortable with the nuances of the offensive scheme. But beyond the technical aspects, wide receivers need someone to lead by example, showing them how to stay disciplined, work through adversity, and focus on the long-term goals of the team.

This is where CJ Daniels made an immediate impact. Even without being able to participate in practice, Daniels’ veteran presence was felt across the locker room. The younger receivers looked up to him as someone who had been through the highs and lows of big-time college football and could offer advice not just on technique, but on how to approach the mental and emotional challenges that come with being a college football player.

Leading by Example: The Leadership Role

While Daniels may not have been on the field for practices or games, his leadership style stood out. Much of his influence came from his work off the field. Daniels, despite not practicing, became an unofficial mentor to many of Miami’s young wide receivers, offering advice, helping with film study, and providing support during weight room sessions. In a sense, he became an extension of the coaching staff, helping to guide the players through the mental and strategic aspects of the game.

Daniels’ leadership wasn’t about being the loudest voice in the room; rather, it was about leading through actions and providing guidance when necessary. He made sure to stay involved in team activities, including film sessions and team meetings, where he could offer insights from his experience at LSU. His time at LSU allowed him to experience a high-level program with a rigorous approach to football, and he shared that knowledge with the Miami receivers, ensuring they understood the intensity and focus required to succeed at the next level.

The most important aspect of Daniels’ leadership was his ability to build trust with his teammates. He didn’t rely solely on his past accolades or playing experience. Instead, Daniels became a confidant for the younger players, someone they could turn to for advice not just on football but on how to handle the pressures of being a college athlete. In a position group that was short on experience, having someone like Daniels to lean on was invaluable.

Mentoring Miami’s Rising Stars

Among the younger wide receivers at Miami, several stood out as key players who would eventually take on major roles in the offense. Players like Jacolby George, Colbie Young, and Isaiah Horton were all highly touted recruits with immense potential. However, potential alone isn’t always enough in college football. What these players needed was someone who could show them how to translate that potential into success on the field. Daniels, despite not practicing with them, had a tremendous impact on these receivers.

For example, Jacolby George, a freshman wide receiver, quickly became one of the most promising players in Miami’s receiver room. With Daniels’ guidance, George was able to pick up on nuances of the position that can sometimes take years to fully understand. Daniels helped George refine his route-running techniques and taught him how to read defenses, focusing on things like leverage and positioning that can make a huge difference in a receiver’s success.

Colbie Young, another rising star in the receiver room, benefited greatly from Daniels’ mentorship. Young, who was known for his physicality and ability to win contested catches, learned the importance of footwork and precision in his route-running. Daniels helped him understand that being successful in college football isn’t just about raw physicality—it’s about technique, preparation, and mental toughness.

Isaiah Horton, an athletic receiver with a great deal of upside, had his own set of strengths and weaknesses. Daniels was able to help him improve his consistency, particularly in terms of catching the ball and making plays in clutch situations. Horton, who had the potential to become one of Miami’s top wide receivers, learned how to handle the mental side of the game, with Daniels providing support and advice.

Through his leadership, Daniels made these players more than just a group of individuals with talent. He helped them become a cohesive unit, showing them how to work together, communicate effectively, and build chemistry that would pay off on the field.

What’s Next for CJ Daniels and Miami

As the 2025 season approaches, Daniels will undoubtedly be a key figure in Miami’s offensive scheme. Even if he hasn’t had the opportunity to practice with the team in a traditional sense, his leadership and mentorship will continue to impact Miami’s wide receiver corps. Daniels is poised to play a critical role in the team’s success, whether that’s on the field as a veteran playmaker or off the field as a mentor.

There’s also the possibility that Daniels could be cleared for more significant involvement in team practices, which would only strengthen his position within the team. His leadership in practice, combined with his game experience, could elevate Miami’s receiver group to new heights, especially as they look to improve upon their previous season’s performance.

For the young receivers at Miami, the next few years will be crucial for their development. With Daniels’ leadership and the experience he brings to the table, they are in a better position than ever to develop into stars in their own right.