Q&A: Jayden Daniels prepares for final season, Florida State's defense

Jayden Daniels is back for year five as a college quarterback and in year two at LSU and it’s all come down to this season. The California native has ample expectations entering the year as the first-team All-SEC quarterback and one of the top odds for the Heisman of anyone in the country.

Last year, Daniels showed flashes of brilliance both with his legs and his arm. The results were a mixed bag, but he ended the season with only three interceptions, one of the highest completion percentages in the country, and the SEC West title in year one. Not too bad. Now, it’s about Daniels taking the next step as a playmaker and quarterback.

To start the year, he has Florida State on Sunday night in Orlando. A game that will set the tone and further write Daniels’ story as an LSU Tiger. Here’s what he had to say on Tuesday night when he met with the media.

Going into the Florida State game…

“On tape, it’s the experience they have together as a unit and what tey can do on the edges with their speed, they’re powerful and can wreak havoc. They’re good at getting after the quarterback. Last year they brought pressures against us that we weren’t prepared for, so this year we’re overpreparing and trying to have an answer for everything they bring to the table and what they’re going to show us.”

Comfort level with this offensive line returning

“Going into this game with the same offensive line I had last year, just the experience we have as a unit, knowing what they see and being on the same page, being able to communicate to handle pressure and navigate through the pressures and take the negative plays away. As a unit the [offensive line] is very strong.”

On being more explosive

“I’ve grown as a whole as a quarterback within the system. When those opportunities present themselves I [need] to take them. We have playmakers on the outside and it’s giving them a chance and throwing them the ball. I feel confident that nine times out of ten they’re going to make the play. We’ve put the work in this offseason, so now it’s time to pay it off.”

On Brian Kelly telling him to treaat plays like fourth down

“Coach is just talking about if I see it then throw it. Trust my arm, throw a pass in a tight window, and treat some plays like a fourth down, that’s what he said – just don’t throw interceptions. It’s just being decisive with what I see and throwing it. Knowing I’m going to test the DBs and give my guys a chance to make a play.”

Creating more explosive opportunities

“Our run after catch and ball placement [are important]. When you get man coverage, throwing the receiver open and giving them a ball they can run with. Ball placement is everything and that’s something you work on with your receivers over the offseason.”

On Malik Nabbers

“Just his confidence level. He’s going out there and dominating. He’s one of the best receivers in the country and that’s the mindset you have to have at receiver, that nobody can guard you. Come Sunday I’m excited to see what he does. Once I get the ball in his hands he’s very dangerous after the catch. Just give him a catchable pass and let him do his thing.”

On reaching the starting line for the season

“It’s been a long time coming, coming back and going through the offseason, but I wouldn’t change it for anything to get to this point. I live by “What happens in the dark will come to the light.” I know I’ve prepared myself for this game and once Sunday hits it’s time to go play. At that point you change it from preparation to performance. Practice is supposed to be hard so when you’re out there you’re not thinking.”

On the preseason accolades

“It’s a blessing to be in those discussions, but that’s not something I focus on. My main focus is trying to enjoy my last season here at LSU, going through the process with my guys, enjoying playing with each other one last time. If we handle business then individual accolades will come at the end of the year.”

What he’s seen from the freshman class

“The ups and downs that they’ve had. In the spring the early enrollees came in and they were very confident, then fall camp comes and it’s a different beast. You’re here all day and all night, so adjusting to that, there’s been some good talks with them, especially me mentoring Rickie. Him going out there in the spring and getting a lot of reps, then come fall we have to prepare and he gets minimal reps, that was a transition for him. Coming from high school being that guy to now waiting his turn. Me being able to be there for him was big.”

Does Rickie remind you of yourself?

“Yeah he does. He’s a little more emotional than me at that age, but he loves football, he’s very passionate about it. He’s going to put in the work, care about his guys, so I see a lot of myself in him.”