Oft-injured Jalon Daniels focused on playing full 2024 season: 'I want to finish what I started'

Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels is a tantalizing talent but his health was the biggest issue throughout his career.

Going into 2024, all he wants to do is play every single game for the Jayhawks. When he plays his best, Kansas is exciting to watch and difficult to beat.

But over the course of four seasons, Daniels played seven, six, nine and three games (25 total). 2024 promises to be the difference, at least in his mind.

“I don’t ask God to allow me to be able to play to the best of my abilities,” Daniels told ESPN. “Every time I pray, I just ask to allow me to play every game this season. That’s been my No. 1 goal, especially since I’ve been hurt, the one thing that I love to do. I didn’t come to college not to play college football.”

Daniels’ best season came in 2022, when he played nine games. He finished with 2,014 yards, 18 touchdowns, four interceptions, 425 rushing yards and seven rushing touchdowns.

Jalon Daniels to put it all together?

Daniels would get more Heisman and NFL Draft buzz, only if he was healthy.

“It’s kind of hard to be evaluated on playing football when you’re not able to be out there doing it,” Daniels said. “I’m still standing here at the University of Kansas, trying to make a name for myself. As much as people want to say I have these accolades, this much media hype and this and that, I personally don’t feel like I’ve done anything yet. I’m still trying to make my way.”

But like anything else, Daniels has to push through and hope for the best.

“It’s just overcoming adversity,” Daniels said. “I’ve been a football player my whole entire life. You never really know what’s ahead, so I’m trying to stay where my feet are. I want to finish what I started.”

Head coach Lance Leipold will certainly do whatever it takes to make sure Daniels is healthy on the field. 

“I expect him to be out there, I expect him to play,” Leipold said. “Does that mean he’s going to play all 12? My plan is that he does.”

As a member of the Class of 2020, Daniels was a three-star recruit out of Lawndale (Calif.) High, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He was the No. 188 overall prospect in the state, the No. 118 quarterback in the class and the No. 2,160 overall prospect in the class.