Sam Pittman calls Jalon Daniels 'scary'

Jalon Daniels had an up-and-down season as Kansas’ quarterback. When he played, he was electric for the Jayhawks. However, injuries held him to just four appearances after the start of October. That doesn’t change how Sam Pittman is preparing for the electric QB, though, as Arkansas will have to match up with him in this season’s Liberty Bowl.

Pittman said Daniels’ game was daunting during a press conference on Monday. He sees Daniels as the whole package, especially since the Razorbacks will likely be seeing the healthiest version of him that anyone has down the stretch of the year.

“Scary…Early in the year, he was running the ball a lot,” said Pittman. “I would assume they’re going to go back to that. Because he (is going to be) healthier than he’s been in a long time.”

Daniels completed 65.7% of his passes this season for a career-high 1,470 yards and 13 touchdowns. He also rushed for career bests in yards (398) and touchdowns (six).

The Jayhawks had a Top-30 offense in 2022 and, when healthy, Pittman believes Daniels was the key to that. Jason Bean was solid for them in his play when in the lineup. However, Daniels’ skillset when in the lineup was just too much for some opponents this year. That dual-threat ability Daniels has is something Pittman knows he and his team will have to be very conscious of come their trip to Memphis.

“He’s a really good runner and an exceptional thrower,” said Pittman. “To me, he’s what drives Kansas. And we certainly are aware of him and all of the great things that he does.”

A healthy Daniels spelled a lot of trouble for several teams during this season. If Pittman and the Hogs want to win their second straight bowl game, finding a way to throw him off his game will go a long way in getting that done.