GT commit helping Hoover in playoffs

Hoover (Ala.) has emerged as a powerful program in Alabama, racking up back-to-back state titles. As they go for their third-consecutive state championship, cornerback Jahi' Word-Daniels knows he will need some game changing performances.

“I’ve been really strong in one-on-one coverage, and when I isolate and shut down receivers I’ve been strong,” Word-Daniels said. “We’re looking forward to three-peating, and I have four interceptions already. Hopefully I’ll add to that.”

The Georgia Tech commit said that he’s been able to focus on his season with his college decision behind him, and said that he’s still solid about his early pledge to play for the Yellow Jackets.

“I still talk to Coach D’Allesandris (Offensive line coach) every week,” he said. “From day one he has always kept in touch with me, and he checks up and makes me feel more comfortable. He made it easy for me to pick Georgia Tech. My decision really came down to three or four things. I love the Georgia Tech education, because it’s one of the best around. I like that Atlanta is so close to home, and my brother is at Morehouse now, and he’s transferring over to Georgia Tech. I have a lot of family there, and I go there all the time already, so it’s a good fit.”

Nearly all other schools have backed off recruiting the cover corner, but Word-Daniels said a couple still call to check up on him.

“Most schools have realizes that I committed and have backed off,” he said. “But Clemson and Vanderbilt still call to make sure that I’m solid. It’s a relief to have it (recruiting) over with, though, and now I’m just trying to have fun and play.”

Word-Daniels has taken one of the most notable defensive backs in history as his role model, and he said that some of his personal traits led his teammates to give him the same nickname as his idol.

“Deion Sanders has always been a role model of mine,” Word-Daniels said. “The guys on my team call me Prime-Time because I wear a bandanna under my helmet and they think I look like him when I do that. I’m good at reading the quarterback when we’re in zone, and I just lock in when we’re in man coverage. I’m a true cover corner, that’s my strength.”