Brian Kelly: Garrett Nussmeier, Jayden Daniels 'certainly' have common traits

When directly comparing Jayden Daniels and Garrett Nussmeier, the two are different quarterbacks. Daniels was an elite dual-threat guy, being just as dangerous with his feet as through the air. A Heisman Trophy and being selected No. 2 overall was enough proof. Nussmeier is likely going to be a little bit more of a pocket passer for LSU, heading into his first season as the starter.

Brian Kelly does believe there is at least one similarity between the two. He spoke on the mental aspect of playing quarterback and not just during games. Great preparation and understanding of football is something Daniels and Nussmeier share according to their head coach.

“There is certainly common traits,” Kelly said Monday at SEC Media Days. “I think the first one certainly, if we’re talking outside of the skill factor, right, the ability to throw the football. If you talk about just from the neck up, the ability to certainly translate. In other words, take the offense, take the things that are taught in the classroom, and be able to translate those things to the field.”

Daniels went to a new level during the 2023 season once comfortable in the LSU offense. Adding a downfield presence certainly helped, making the Tigers No. 1 in the country offensively. All the results were due to being a student of the game and seeing things play out on the field.

Nussmeier has gone through the preparation process plenty of times and likely learned a lot working with Daniels. Now, it’s time to showcase his ability on Saturdays in a big season for the Tigers. Kelly certainly has faith if he thinks Nussmeier and Daniels were on the same level.

“That was one of Jayden Daniels’ best assets,” Kelly said. “You could watch it, talk about it, he could recite it. You could be in a meeting and you would walk out of that meeting and go, amazing. His recall, his ability to go through all the progressions, his ability to know everything in terms of blitz protection, and then in a game he could do it.

“That gift, that ability is what makes the great quarterbacks great, and Garrett has been able to do that as well. Now, he has to go do it in the games like Jayden did. But that’s the first thing we look for, the ability to take it from the meetings, film study, walk-throughs, practice, and apply it to the games real time.”