100 Days of Summer: Get to Know No. 79 Darrion Daniels

This is Part 2 of our Day 79 in the summer countdown. We go from an unproven offensive lineman to a third-year D-lineman with a clear path to leadership.

How he got to OSU

A four-star and ESPN 300 recruit, Daniels is the highest-rated signee Joe Bob Clements has brought in during his four years at OSU. The 6-foot-3, 300-pound tackle from Dallas’ Bishop Dunne High School held over 30 offers including from the likes of Ohio State, Oklahoma, Miami and LSU. He chose the Cowboys for early playing time and for a chance to “make a name for himself.”

What he’s done in Stillwater

Though entering his third year as a key contributor, Daniels is still only 19 years old. But physical maturity has not been an issue for Daniels.

“At Oklahoma State, we haven’t had as many at that position, mainly because we haven’t gotten that many 300-pounders,” Mike Gundy said about Daniels playing as a true freshman. “Most of the time, we’re bringing in guys around 250 or 260 pounds and have to develop them into that position.”

Daniels didn’t take long to show his potential. In his first career game, the 2015 season opener at Central Michigan, the true freshman chipped in for three tackles, a 0.5 sack and a quarterback hurry. He’s appeared in every game the last two years and has been a load behind the duo of Vincent Taylor and Mote Maile.

Role in 2017

The aforementioned mainstays at starting tackle are now gone and Daniels has a good chance to earn a starting spot in a very deep and talented defensive line. He came in with lofty expectations and buzz-worthy predictionss, most of which he’s lived up to (at least for a young defensive lineman in Stillwater). Now with the path to starting reps clear, it’s time for Daniels to take a leadership role on this defensive line and the defense as a whole.

Noteworthy stats and highlights

Had four total tackles twice with a career-high four solo tackles against Texas in 2016. Recorded four total (three solo) tackles and a tackle for loss against TCU in 2015.