Daniels takes in Big 10

Euless (Texas) Trinity Rivals250 defensive tackle Chris Daniels has had a busy week as he made his way through Big 10 country. He was able to stop by Michigan State, Michigan, and Ohio State, and each left a favorable impression.

The first stop on the tour was to East Lansing, where he was able to get a firsthand look at the Michigan State Spartans.

"The visit was really good," Daniels said. "I was really surprised about how the facilities looked and everything. It was really similar to down south and I didn't know that. I noticed the d-line has a lot of talent. They're all pretty athletic and everything. So if I was to go there I wouldn't be the only one the offense schemes to. So there's a lot of talent and I was really impressed with that."

After Michigan State, it was off to Ann Arbor to check out the Michigan Wolverines.

"When I was little I always wanted to go to Michigan and be a Wolverine, so it was pretty cool to go up there and see how they practice and stuff," Daniels said. "I know their d-line is kind of young but I see a lot of potential in the d-line. Coach Mattison is a really good coach. Like I said, coach Harbaugh is really nice. The facilities and everything were really nice. But one thing that really stood out to me is they say you have a scholarship for life. You can come back and get a degree at any point. That really opened my mother's eyes. I don't know if that's her favorite now, but she really really likes them now."

The final stop was to Columbus to get his first look at Ohio State.

"Well, first of all, the Ohio State name speaks for itself," Daniels said. "They win championships and when we first walked through the doors it was amazing. We talked to the head coach, and he kind of reminded me of Jim Harbaugh. I didn't get a chance to talk to him a lot, but I could tell he was a really cool, genuine guy.

"And the d-line coach was if not the most impressive, he was right there. I feel like if I go to him he could take me to the next level. He not only told me the scheme of the defense but he told me what he does with the individual d-linemen. Like the d-line drills he does to get them better and I feel he can take me to the next level and I can be up there with J.J. Watt and Ndamukong Suh. It was real legit. I really, really liked it."

Daniels has one more unofficial visit on his schedule and that will be to Baylor. The trip will most likely take place during the season.

He plans to announce his top five August 24, which is the first day of school, and he is keeping his list to himself at this time. He will most likely take official visits to each of his top five, and then he plans to announce his college decision on his birthday, December 18.