Brian Kelly offers high praise for QB Jayden Daniels: 'He's playing at an elite level'
Brian Kelly has done little but sing QB Jayden Daniels’ praises this season.
The LSU QB has evolved as a football player across the past few years in Baton Rouge. He entered as a primary runner, but has evolved into perhaps the best QB in the SEC through Week 6.
At the SEC’s weekly teleconference Wednesday morning Kelly lauded his starting QB, insisting that he is playing at a truly ‘elite level.”
Here’s Kelly’s full quote on his QB1:
“It’s 5 straight games, accounted for at least 4 touchdowns.” Kelly said. “He’s playing at an elite level. He leads the SEC and ranks 2 nationally in total offense, leads the SEC in total touchdowns and passing efficiency. His development has been well chronicled, he’s done all the things necessary to put himself in this position. He’s worked his tail off and it’s great to see him have this kind of success and our offense has really been driven and led by him.”
“I think I’ve had quarterbacks that have had different skillsets that have done great things,” Kelly continued. “I think his ability to run when things are not there is unique. His speed, his durability, his toughness puts him up there with the great ones. I think I’ve had 2 that have rushed for over I think it’s Dan LeFevour and Jayden Daniels, 10,000 passing and I think 2,000 rushing. So I’ve had 2 guys in this category and Daniels clearly is a guy that separates himself with his speed and ability to make big plays with his feet.”
Daniels currently leads the SEC in passing yards, passing yards per game and touchdowns, all by fairly considerable margins. He’s 7th in the conference in rushing yards and 8th in rushing yards per game.
That ability to stretch the field has made the Tigers dangerous. Pitfalls on defense aside, the LSU offense is performing like one of the top units in the country very, very quietly. LSU is one of 12 teams nationally and one of just 3 in the SEC averaging over 40 points per game. And Daniels is the catalyst for that.
The Tigers look to pick up another win this weekend as they host Hugh Freeze and the Auburn Tigers.