Three star DL names favorite, top three

Three star prospect Brandon Daniel from Pompano Beach (Fla.) Ely High School garnered attention from schools from all over the country during the early evaluation period, and it appears with the second phase of evaluations starting, he has not missed a beat. At 6-foot-4, and 250 pounds, he runs the 40-yard dash in 4.75 seconds. He is rated the No. 19 strongside defensive end in the country by Rivals.com and came in at No. 82 on the Southeast Elite 88 list, and said three schools sit atop his list of favorites.

Yesterday, Daniel received calls from Coach Cox from Michigan State, Coach Wallace from Virginia Tech, and Coach Holliday from NC State. Although all are contenders for his signature, only two made his elite list.

“Miami is the home team. They are a power house, and would probably be my favorite right now,” he said. “Miami, Michigan State, and NC State are my top three.

“At Michigan State, Coach Cox said they didn’t recruit any d-linemen last year, so I think I can step in and play. “At NC State I like the coaches and the school, and they need defensive lineman.”

Although three schools are his current leaders, five others are still in the picture. Brandon said Florida, Kansas State, Pitt, Virginia Tech, and Rutgers also still had a chance of landing him when February rolls around.

“Pitt is losing linemen and needs someone to step up,” he explained. “Florida, I like their program, and they are in state, so I will give them a shot. Kansas State is losing some linemen this and next year, and they are one of the top defenses in the country.

“I think at Virginia Tech I will have the opportunity to play next year. Rutgers needs someone to come in and play, and I could play early. I could come in on second team at least.”

Daniel said he has offers from all of his favorites, but has yet to set any visits. He plans to take all five, however, before making a decision.

“I am going to take it until the end, so I make the right decision,” he said. Rutgers was the only camp he attended over the summer.

As a junior, Brandon recorded 65 tackles and 11 sacks and was selected second-team All-Broward County. He maintains a 2.8 GPA with a 950 on the SAT, and wants to major in either sports management or business management.