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Brian Kelly addresses potential NFL Draft decision for Jayden Daniels after 2022 season
By Sydney Hunte
Published:
Brian Kelly has seen LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels flourish over the course of the last few weeks.
Daniels’ dual threat capabilities have helped propel the Tigers into the SEC West lead, culminating with a thrilling overtime win against Alabama. In that game, Daniels was 22-of-32 for 182 yards and 2 touchdowns but recorded 95 yards and another score on 95 carries. That was a week after he posted 121 yards and 3 touchdowns on the ground in a comeback win against Ole Miss while throwing for 2 more. All told, he’s accounted for 24 touchdowns (14 passing and 10 rushing).
Daniels is, of course, draft-eligible after the 2022 season as he’s 4 years removed from his high school days. There’s a chance that he could come back to settle unfinished business in 2023, but Kelly, during his radio show on Thursday, remarked that the decision won’t be taken lightly:
Brian Kelly said it's too early to tell if Jayden Daniels will return next season, he is eligible for the NFL. Adds that they've brought in consultants to assist in that decision.
"Whatever decision he makes is based on wherever he can help himself." #LSU
— Leah Vann (@LVann_Sports) November 11, 2022
Daniels’ immediate priority, though, is helping his team to LSU’s 1st SEC West title since 2019 and, if things break a certain way, a possible College Football Playoff appearance. The Tigers take on Arkansas on Saturday.
Sydney is an Atlanta-based journalist who has covered everything from SEC and ACC football to MLS, the U.S. men's national soccer team and professional tennis. His work has appeared on such platforms as SB Nation, Cox Media Group and FanSided.
