Most Exciting Defensive Player: National Signing Day 2017

Do you need to know anything other than Noah Daniels flipped to TCU from Baylor? That automatically makes him a favored son in Fort Worth. But if that isn’t enough for you, the cornerback out of Clear Creek High School stands 6’1”, runs a legit 4.3 40, and benches 300 pounds. He is an exceptional athlete that is college ready from day one.

Daniels, who played corner, running back, and slot receiver for the Wildcats, was an All-District, All-County, and All Greater-Houston Area player his senior season. Though he is rated a three star prospect, he had nearly every major program on him once he de-committed from Baylor, racking up 28 offers - including Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Texas Tech, and Notre Dame. The Irish put the full court press on him once they lost a cornerback recruit, but Daniels continually reiterated that he was 110% committed to TCU and became one of the Frogs’ top recruiters on social media.

Daniels reminds me a little of Ranthony Texada, though considerably taller coming in. Texada, who burst onto the scene as a true freshman, looked like the next great corner to come out of TCU before a devastating knee injury slowed his development. While he was working his way back into form, the Frogs played mix and match opposite him, trying every available player, even looking to the offense, to try and better a unit that struggled over the course of the last two seasons as they battled injuries and youth. Daniels is the type of player, once he earns a spot, isn’t likely to give that up. Whether he is able to beat out Jeff Gladney, Julius Lewis, etc to start opposite Texada in 2017 remains to be seen, but I have little doubt he will earn snaps as a true freshman.

With his excellent straight line speed, quick change ability, and fluid hips, Noah has elite corner measurables. He tracks the ball well in the air - helped by his experience as a wide receiver - and is generally able to turn his head before contact to avoid penalties. He’s a great tackler in the open field and certainly doesn’t shy away from contact. And, should he get his hands on the ball, he will be a threat to house it ever touch. The opportunity to learn under a great defensive coach in a system that plays to his strengths should be a perfect fit, and Daniels should only improve one on campus.